TIME stood still on Saturday as thousands of patrons enjoyed the soothing sounds of reggae music at the Lost In Time Festival held at Hope Gardens in St Andrew.

Conceptualised by reggae singer Protoje, The Lost In Time Festival featured Mortimer, Lila Ike, Jesse Royal, Samory I, Tessellated, Jaz Elise, Naomi Cowan, Ras-I, and YaadCore. But, the icing on the cake were surprise acts Sevana, Ky-Mani Marley, Popcaan, Aidonia, and Chronixx.

Chronixx had patrons in a frenzy — some of whom had turned out from as early as 4:00 pm to secure a good view of the stage. Prior to the festival, there were rumours that the reggae singer would have been making an appearance, but when their intuitions proved to be true — cheers exceeding hundreds of decibels echoed across the open venue. The Spanish Town native spent approximately 40 minutes on stage alongside the headliner Protoje and performed multiple tracks from his extensive catalogue, including Dela Move, Eternal Light, Skankin’ Sweet, and Who Knows.

During this segment, Chronixx took the time to publicly hail his reggae counterpart for all his successes.

“Mi know dem man yah from dem ah bout 18-19 and dem man yah ah general. It makes no sense you try to go around it, and find any excuse. Dem yah man yah, trust me… but we haffi seh big respect and to all a di I dem weh deh yah ’cause a lot of you have been here so big respect,” he expressed to Protoje.

Lila Ike had also previously given one of the strongest sets of the night, although it was interrupted by several fans fainting across the venue. She was also contending with a hoarse throat, and requested a cup of tea while on stage. Nonetheless, she delivered. She sported a jacket bearing her face on the back, which was a replica of the cover of her 2020 debut EP, The EXperience.

Her energetic set also saw the accompaniment of dancers, whom she said she became acquainted with during the peak of the coronavirus pandemic. To wrap up the set, she invited her niece Betty onstage, whom she said is her main source of inspiration, to perform Where I’m Coming From.

It was a surreal experience for the attendees who took the opportunity to speak with the Jamaica Observer.

“The sets were wonderful. Lila and Mortimer have such excellent voices, and Chronixx showing up really made my night. Everything was just on point,” said accountant Lucy James.

Mark Haywood, a businessman, said the festival far exceeded his expectations.

“I have no complaints. It was perfect from start to finish. The production is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced in Jamaica,” he said.

Marie Holgate, who travelled all the way from Montego Bay, added that it was money well spent.

“You can never go wrong with reggae music. Protoje, Chronixx, Lila, Jesse…everybody did so well. I’m happy to have been here,” she said.