Feloni19, Ai Milly Lead Fanatic Festival’s First Ocho Rios Staging

Rising new-generation dancehall acts Feloni19, Ai Milly, Top Banks and C9 join a packed DJ lineup, including Mac & Baba, as Fanatic Festival heads to Plantation Cove on October 16

Fanatic's move to Ocho Rios for the first time

After 11 stagings in Kingston since its launch in 2022, Fanatic Festival is heading to Ocho Rios for the first time on Friday, October 16, bringing a packed lineup of dancehall artistes, DJs and selectors to Plantation Cove as the opening event of Appleton Estate Republic Weekend 2026.

That formula will continue in Ocho Rios, with rising dancehall artiste Feloni19 confirmed as the headline act, joined by new-generation talents Ai Milly, Top Banks, C9 and Shewahdexta.

On the musical side, Mac & Baba, fresh from their Japan tour, will join Fyahman & Vinchi, DJ Devakidd, DJ Kryptic and Zacky & Jubba, keeping the festival’s signature DJ-driven energy alive throughout the night.

For its Ocho Rios debut, Fanatic will embrace an EDEN theme, featuring tropical aesthetics and natural tones. “The look may change. The location may change. But that feeling when the party catches fire? That stays with us,” said Justin Campbell, Director of CNA Entertainment, during the Republic Weekend media launch.

The festival will open the inaugural Appleton Estate Republic Weekend, running October 16–19 at Plantation Cove. Other events include Rosé N Roses, Night Carnival, Republic Beach Club and #SSS Republic Bush, which will feature rising jab soca artiste Lil Kerry making his Jamaica debut following the recent momentum of his single “Mayhem.”

Fanatic's move to Ocho Rios follows a successful July staging in Kingston, which featured Malie Donn, Eddy G Bomba, Merkz, Feloni19 and Ymo G, drawing a turnout that organisers said exceeded expectations.

“This is the first Fanatic Festival outside Kingston. That is a big deal,” Campbell added. “You do not have to come to Kingston. Fanatic is coming to Ochi.”

Sponsored by Campari, alongside Appleton Estate and other supporting brands, Fanatic Festival Ocho Rios kicks off on Friday, October 16.