Dancehall Week 2025 promises 'rich diversity and cultural celebration'

With live performances from top dancehall acts Jada Kingdom, Jah Vinci and Pamputtae and over $1 million in cash and prizes for the finals of the Rep your Parish competition, this year's staging of Dancehall Week promises to offer a "broader array of activities that celebrate and elevate the cultural impact of dancehall".

The event, endorsed by the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Culture Gender Entertainment and Sport, the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission, and the Kingston and St Andrew Corporation is officially part of the Reggae Month line-up, and will take place February 23 to March 2 at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre in St Andrew.

The event committee says "attendees will be treated to the complete Dancehall Village experience...including a dancehall museum--chronicling the genre's evolution over the decades--alongside a host of seminars and workshops designed to underscore dancehall's global influence and educate attendees on various facets of the music and entertainment industries."

Other highlights include the Dancehall Fashion Road Block, Double Seven Street Parade and the after party, and Carousing, with the mentioned live performers.

Talisa Taylor, Project Manager for Dancehall Week, says "Dancehall Week 2025 is meticulously crafted to offer a comprehensive encounter with the dancehall music business and entertainment scene. From producer and DJ workshops to insightful seminars, attendees will gain a full spectrum of knowledge and enjoyment."

Taylor says this year is focused on audience immersion.

"Our themed zones, including the Magnum lounge and Cannabis areas, alongside our food and shopping villages, are designed to complete this immersive cultural experience. With entertainment as a pivotal element, the week will feature spontaneous street dance pop-ups, culminating in three major events following our newly scheduled evening street parade."

-Antwaine Campbell

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