BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – THEY came, they partied, and they left their mark. That was the overwhelming feeling as some of the region’s top dancehall and reggae artistes brought the curtains down on a successful #BarbadosReggaeWeekend at the historic Kensington Oval.
After the high-energy atmosphere of nights one and two, it was only fitting that Sunday delivered a grand finale to cap off the festival, which continues to grow in popularity across the region.
Night Three of Barbados Reggae Weekend, dubbed 'Reggae in the Gardens', brought the festival to a powerful close with an unforgettable showcase of local, regional, and international talent.
The evening opened on a high note with veteran Barbadian band Spice and Company, celebrating an impressive 50 years in music. Their lively set had patrons swaying from the very beginning as they mixed original songs with crowd favourites, including Johanna and a standout rendition of “Bob’s Song.” The band closed with Conga Line, transforming the venue into a pulsating sea of rhythm and setting the tone for the night ahead.
Dancehall artiste Kranium followed with a smooth and engaging performance, captivating the audience with his versatility and signature hits like "Nobody has to know", much to the delight of the thousands in attendance — especially the ladies.
Rising star D’Yani maintained the momentum during his debut appearance at the festival. His melodic delivery and charismatic stage presence earned loud applause and signalled a strong connection with the Barbadian audience.
Despite missing the Guinness Showdown earlier in the weekend, 450 made his appearance count during Reggae in the Gardens. Delivering a measured but impactful set, he had fans singing along throughout, further highlighting his growing influence in the dancehall scene.
Grammy Award-winning singer Fantasia elevated the energy even further with a powerhouse performance that left the crowd in awe and asking for more. Taking the stage at approximately 10:30 p.m., her commanding vocals and dynamic presence created one of the most memorable moments of the evening.
Bringing the event to a close in the early hours of Monday morning was dancehall sensation Dexta Daps, whose signature performance style resonated strongly with patrons, particularly female fans, as he ended the festival on a high note.
Reggae in the Gardens proved to be a fitting finale to Barbados Reggae Weekend, blending nostalgia, emerging talent, and international star power into one seamless and electrifying experience.
The event also highlighted the growing appeal of reggae and dancehall culture in Barbados, with organisers successfully combining the island’s vibrant atmosphere and entertainment product into a festival experience that many patrons will be eager to see return in the years ahead.
