BRIDGETOWN, Barbados — They danced, they grooved, they partied—and by the end of the night, they wanted more. That was the mood as the 2026 Barbados Reggae Weekend got off to a vibrant start.
Billed as one of the region’s premier reggae events, the festival opened at Kensington Oval with Jamaican icon Ophlin “Sister Nancy” Russell, who set the tone for the night with an energetic performance.
An estimated 3,000 patrons turned out, enjoying an evening filled with timeless reggae classics. Performers kept the momentum going with hit after hit, creating an atmosphere of pure nostalgia and celebration.
One of the standout performances came from JSC Lodge, who delivered a commanding set that earned strong applause from the crowd.
Under the theme “Legends of Reggae,” the event paid tribute to the genre’s golden era, taking fans on a musical journey through some of its most iconic sounds.
Barrington Levy had the audience moving with his signature vocals. Despite a noticeable limp, he powered through a full and engaging set.
Super Cat then brought the curtain down, closing the show on a high note.
The party carried on into the early hours of Saturday morning, as patrons continued “vibing” to a mix of classic and contemporary reggae.
The festival, showcasing some of the region’s finest talent, continues over the weekend.
