I-Wayne, Munga and Tanya Stephens for Essence of Reggae festival

Heavy-hitting entertainers I-Wayne, Munga Honourable, and Tanya Stephens have been announced as the first headliners for the 2025 Essence of Reggae Music Festival. Set to ignite the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre in St Andrew on February 1, the event promises an unforgettable night of reggae and dancehall brilliance.

This marks the third staging of the festival, conceptualised by Grammy-winning producer and businessman Comar 'Frankie' Campbell of Frankie Music.

"People expect something bigger and better with each staging, and we intend to oblige," Campbell said.

The 2025 line-up is already making good on that promise. With fans eagerly awaiting the announcement of additional headliners, Campbell's commitment to surpassing expectations has only amplified the buzz. This year's renewal will feature celebrated hosts Bishop Escobar and Badda Bling, and musical selections by DJ Kurt Riley.

Building on the success of the 2024 edition, which featured standout performances from Sizzla Kalonji, Richie Spice, and Queen Ifrica, the festival has become a cornerstone of Jamaica's cultural calendar. Beyond music, the event continues to empower the industry, offering workshops on artist development and the music business.

The Essence of Reggae Music Festival is endorsed by the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport.