Thousands of revelers flocked to the "Barbados Reggae Festival". T.O.K, Cobra, Spragga Benz, Laa Lee and also Byron Messia had impactful performances
Skeng has left his impact on the Bajans revelers (Alex Alleyne)
Barbadians (Bajans as they are more popularly called) have again shown their love for dancehall and reggae over the last few days with the big festival's return to the Caribbean country. Their love for the genres originated obviously from their sister Caribbean country of the West Indies, Jamaica.
After a 4 year hiatus due to the global pandemic, the Barbados Reggae Festival which was executed by Fas7Star is back. Thousands of revelers are rolled out the event which spread over several days.
The opening day under the name, "Vintage Reggae Show & Dance", was held at Kensington Oval on Friday, April 28 and included some performances from Grammy Award-winning Third World, Maxi Priest, Ken Boothe, and more. The two main events were held between April 30 and May 1 and attracted thousands of patrons which can be attributed to its stellar lineup.
Spragga Benz, There was also a place for the veterans (Alex Alleyne)
On Sunday, April 30th, the event was executed under the name, "Reggae On The Hill" and took place at the Farley Hill National Park. The event featured a star-studded lineup including some veteran artistes such as Anthony B, Turbulence and Spragga Benz to go along with some regional popular acts from the new school such as Alkaline and Christopher Martin.
For the younger generation, it was the consistently trending artistes; Skeng and Jahshii who left impressive performances, with Skeng's personal DJ; Jiggy D, who recently appeared in the Ratty Gang leader’s song titled, "Smood Wid It", also made an appearance.
May 1st, 2023 reflected Monday’s theme & event; "Bad Like 90's Dancehall", the popular annual beach. Reggae Group T.O.K in their usual energetic style pleased fans with some of their classic hits like "Footprints", & "Gyal You A Lead", with other veteran acts; Mad Cobra and Louie Culture also delivering memorable sets. Dancehall artiste, Laa Lee and rising dancehall artiste from St. Kitts, Byron Messia also gave their own stellar performances for the massive patronage in attendance.
From left: Skeng, Laa Lee, Jahshii, Alkaline (Alex Alleyne)
The dancehall newcomer, Sossa also got his opportunity to perform for the first time in Barbados together with his Manager 17TMI.
If there were any doubts about the longevity and loyal support for this festival, this staging has definitely re-cemented its place in the Bajan market. Do Bajans still love dancehall and reggae?; the main producer of the event and the Fas 7 star Director, Mrs. Alison Hunte would definitely respond with a resounding: 'Yes'.
Byron Messia, continues to gain momentum (Wallo Photography)
Dancehall newcomer, Sossa made his first time trip to Barbados (Wallo Photography)
Sossa and Byrom Messia in Barbados
17TMI, Producer Manager of dancehall newcomer Sossa enjoyed some Bajan vibes
