Once I first heard that the Wickie Wackie Pageant was returning this yr after final yr’s unbelievable version, I knew World A Reggae needed to be there once more. And once I noticed the stellar lineup, that feeling solely acquired stronger. As soon as once more, I wasn’t dissatisfied.
This yr’s version spanned two days. The primary day, Friday, was devoted to sound system tradition. For the guests, that meant enjoyable, consuming a beer, smoking a spliff, and holding a vibes in Uncle Ronnie’s yard, whereas soaking within the sounds of Uncle Ronnie, Gabre Selassie from Kingston Dub Membership, Pure Excessive Music, and worldwide selectors like SoundQuake, Foolish Walks Disco, Supersonic (Germany), Satta Sound (Montpelier, Vermont), and Uhuru Sound (Belgium). These new to sound system tradition additionally acquired a style of a pleasant dubplate showcase from Supersonic and SoundQuake.
The second day, as anticipated, was one for the books. Kumar and his group proved that Jamaica is prepared for a tourist-filled reggae pageant on the gorgeous shores of Bull Bay. With guests from throughout the globe, the pageant drew a good crowd who witnessed performances from over 20 artists, supported by selectors Carter Van Pelt, DJ Irie, Dutty Bookman, and Rory StoneLove.
The day began round noon with up-and-coming artists like Ojah, Ken Ellis, Empress Ayeola, Kenny Vanilla, Soul Insurgent, and Sailor Jane, alongside the legendary Alpha Boys College Band—a superb showcase of reggae’s subsequent era.
Simply after Alpha Boys College delivered an lively efficiency, the gang was handled to genuine roots reggae from Tennshann Invasion, adopted by Earl ‘Chinna’ Smith’s Binghistra Motion, that includes Quan Dajai and two different artists whose names, sadly, slipped my thoughts.
By the point the reggae ambassadors Third World stepped on stage (together with Richard Daley on percussions), the pageant grounds have been packed. The veterans delivered a stellar efficiency, proving as soon as once more why they continue to be considered one of reggae’s biggest stay bands, all whereas introducing the subsequent era of Third World.
Including extra basic roots vitality to the night, the one and solely ‘Satan Chaser’, Max Romeo, gave the gang an unforgettable efficiency. He took issues up one other degree by bringing his son, Azzizi, and daughter, Xana, on stage, mixing the essence of conventional roots reggae with a contemporary contact.
To shut the evening, Kumar took the stage—and he didn’t come alone. The viewers was handled to an all-star lineup, that includes Kelly Shane, Christopher Ellis, Ras-I, Khalia, Kuzikk, Jesse Royal, and Protoje—a becoming grand finale to an already unforgettable pageant.
Trying to the Future
To sum it up, this yr’s Wickie Wackie Pageant was one other nice occasion to expertise. After all, there’s at all times room for enchancment, however that’s the way you construct a agency basis (Didn’t Kumar sing
“Rastaman constructed up his temple on a agency basis?” The groundwork has been laid, and now it’s time to look forward to 2026, anticipating even larger developments.
I strongly encourage Jamaican and worldwide manufacturers to attach with the Wickie Wackie group. Extra importantly, the Ministry of Tourism and the Jamaica Vacationer Board ought to take word—this pageant and campsite idea has the potential to turn into a international haven for reggae lovers.
A huge thanks to Kumar and the whole Wickie Wackie group for the hospitality. I really loved one other nice occasion, and I hope to return subsequent yr to witness the expansion. Nicely executed!
The photographs will observe quickly… Impressions of the reveals will be seen on our Instagram web page.
By Danny Creatah
