Music is one of the best windows into a culture—and nowhere is that more evident than Jamaica. The Caribbean country is known for its sound above all else, having gifted the globe with six genres of music: reggae, dancehall, dub, ska, rocksteady, and mento.
It makes sense, then, that the best way to truly understand Jamaica when you visit—to truly tap into its cultural spirit—is through the music. And now is an extra special time to do just that. February in Jamaica is reggae month, an annual, government-led celebration of the incredibly influential genre that revolves around the birthdays of two of its greatest icons: Robert Nesta “Bob” Marley (February 6) and Dennis Brown (February 1). To honor the occasion, locals gather for all sorts of cultural events throughout the month, from street parties to festivals to workshops and more. I’ve visited the country multiple times during reggae month, and can confirm that, as a traveler, you can feel the Jamaican pride and celebratory energy in the air. Plus, this year, all eyes will be on the much-anticipated February 14 release of the One Love: Bob Marley biopic, which stars Kingsley Ben-Adir as Marley himself and chronicles the legendary singer’s meteoric rise to fame—along with his long-lasting impact on Jamaica and the world at large.
So, where should you actually go to get the full Jamaican music experience when you visit? I asked five of the country’s top emerging musicians—Sevana, Samory I, Lila Iké, Jaz Elise, and Teejay—for their favorite spots in Jamaica right now. Parties and shows tend to ebb and flow there, with certain events going in and out of style fairly quickly, so it’s especially important to stay in the know—and these performers certainly have their fingers on the pulse. Not surprisingly, most of their picks are in and around Kingston—the birthplace of reggae and the beating heart of the Jamaican music scene—though there are a couple scattered in other areas of the country, too. And while it’s extra special to visit during reggae month, their selections include but are not limited to February events, so you can immerse yourself in the sound no matter when you go. They also extend beyond reggae hotspots, as Jamaican music today is a true blend of multiple genres. With this in mind, let these artists be your guides to Jamaica—and be sure to listen to their songs before your trip!
Sevana
Born in Savannah-La-Mar, a coastal town in Jamaica’s Westmoreland parish, Anne-Share Blake—better known by her hometown-inspired stage name Sevana—is a singer and actress who has toured the globe as a solo artist. Her songs are a beautiful and bold blend of Caribbean influences and soulful R&B that are helping to expand the definition of island music (watch her 2020 “Mango” music video, and her 2022 “Lowe Mi” music video to get a feel for her vibe). This month, she’ll make her major feature film debut in Bob Marley: One Love, in which she plays Judy Mowatt, one of the I Threes (Marley's trio of backup vocalists, which also included Marcia Griffiths and his wife Rita Marley). Her next single, “Keep Going,” is slated to release at the end of February.
Held annually in Montego Bay, Jamaica Rum Festival—Rumfest for short—is, according to Sevana, a “star-studded event.” As the name implies, the festival is centered around good music, good rum, and a good time, with a variety of Jamaican rums on tap, including Appleton Estate, Wray and Nephew, and more (don’t sleep on the quintessentially Jamaican “Rumpari” cocktail, a popular combo of rum and Campari). All liquor aside, Rumfest is also a place where performers bring their A game. “Look out for people like Capleton and Tessanne Chin doing their best performance at Rumfest,” Sevana suggests, adding that she even gave one of the best performances of her career there last year. “I was going through a lot in my personal life at that time, and when I finished giving it my all, I cried. Rumfest has a bigger place in my heart for that reason.”
When to go: Click here for the 2024 schedule
Twenty-five years ago, three local friends—“Juicey” (Ian Wong), “Doc” (Michael Banbury) and “TC” (Tony Campbell)—came together with a united mission: to elevate the Caribbean party experience. The result is the Frenchmen Party, a roving theme party that takes place in different parishes all over the island. Each one features a mix of live music, DJ performances from DJs like Bloodline Franco and Brush1, local food, and joyful vibes. “I’ve only been to one, so I can’t speak to all of the Frenchmen events, but it was magical…people just have fun there,” says Sevana. “Rain was falling when I went, but nobody cared. We were all dancing in the rain, and I was able to let go.”
When to go: Click here for the 2024 schedule
Samory I
Samory-Tour Frazer—known professionally as Samory I—grew up in Kencot, a less affluent neighborhood of Kingston, and found reggae music as a form of redemption. His second and most recent album, Strength, released in November 2023, is a reflection of his goal to persevere through hardship, not unlike many other roots reggae artists throughout Jamaican history. (In the album’s breakout hit, “Outside,” featuring Lila Iké, he sings, “‘Cause we been through the worst, no doubt; now we counting the winnings from humble beginnings.”) Inspiring lyrics aside, though, Samory I’s smooth voice truly sets him apart. His songs have a grounding and melodious rhythm that may just touch your soul.
Spend some time talking to roots reggae artists in Jamaica, and one thing becomes abundantly clear: Kingston Dub Club (just “Dub Club” to most) is a special place. “In the times we’re living in now, Dub Club is the spiritual,” Samory I explains. “Dub Club is roots. Dub Club is Rasta music nonstop.” Located on Skyline Drive—the famous hilltop road in Kingston with epic views of the buzzing city below—the club is only open on Sundays and is filled with colorful murals and lush plants that make it feel like a tropical retreat in the sky. It’s also the place to be on Sundays in Jamaica if you’re into reggae, as they’ve been hosting Sunday night sessions (either live music or sound systems) every week since 2011. Simply put, Dub Club is “a vibe,” according to Samory I, one you must experience for yourself while you’re on the island. “It’s beautiful and serene, like nothing you’ve ever seen before until you’ve been there,” he continues. “We call it ‘Zion,’ because it’s the temple that we go to to have fun with the world. It’s a place where you can find love, definitely not a place where you can find hate. That’s the dream in real life, you know?”
When to go: Sunday nights only, from 5 p.m. to midnight
Unlike Dub Club, which is decidedly chill, Uptown Mondays is a long-running Monday-night dancehall street party in Kingston with much more of a party feel. Weekly outdoor street parties like this one are a big part of the culture in Kingston, and usually involve a mix of dancers, DJs, and selectors (in Jamaica, the “selector” is the person who selects the songs, while the “DJ” is the person who speaks into the microphone). “Tourists tend to love the vibe of Uptown Mondays, because it’s such a beautiful energy in a beautiful space where people feel free to wear and do whatever they want,” Samory I says. “Ultimately, the party gives you the freedom to be you, which is what dancehall is all about.” And the entertainment itself? Next level, he promises. “Beenie Man was even outside partying last night when I went…that’s the vibe at Uptown Mondays. A different vibration.”
When to go: Monday nights, from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Lila Iké
Born Alecia Grey, Lila Iké is a singer from Christiana, a small town in Jamaica’s Manchester parish, whose music is a beautiful fusion of reggae, dancehall, R&B, and hip-hop. (Lila means “blooming flower,” and Iké is a Yoruba word that means “power of God.”) Iké released her first EP, The ExPerience, to critical acclaim in 2020 (it debuted at the top of the reggae albums chart in the US), and has toured all around the world sharing her powerful sound and stage presence. Her lyrics highlight—and raise awareness of—local Jamaican issues, from street justice to self-love to crime and gun violence. She dropped her latest single, “Good & Great,” in December 2023 (the video will transport you straight to the island), and is currently working on her first full-length album via In.Digg.Nation Collective and RCA Records.
Created and run by beloved reggae artist Protoje, who has toured all over the world and is widely regarded as a connector and mentor figure of sorts among the local reggae set, Lost in Time is a globally-inspired all-day music festival in Kingston that just launched last February. There are two stages, a predetermined lineup filled with local musicians (Protoje, Sevana, Jaz Elise, Chronixx, and Lila Iké, to name a few), and punctual start and end times, which is not always the case on the island. “In Jamaica, I can be told that my set time is 9, but then end up going on stage at 12—it’s just a natural thing for Jamaicans to either be fashionably late or arrive whenever they feel like, ‘This is where I’m supposed to be,’” explains Iké. “So a festival with allotted times and a setup like this creates an opportunity for both the artist and the consumer to really indulge in the music. And that’s absolutely beautiful. It’s a unique and fresh experience all around, one filled with really good music and a good crowd. The people who follow Lost in Time love music and they know music. They aren’t just going to pass the time. They’re going for the music.” Tickets start at $60; more info here. (Iké also recommends checking out Protoje’s Spotify playlist “New Reggae: Fresh Export,” which he updates regularly with all of the latest voices from the island. “If there’s a new artist with a really dope sound,” she says, “you can guarantee you’ll see them on there.”)
When to go: February 24, 2024
One of the best things about Dubwise, a chill, plant-filled music café and event space in Kingston, is there’s always something happening there. “No matter when you’re visiting Jamaica, you know if you’re in Kingston, you can pop into Dubwise and there will be something to see every night, from live performances to pop-up events to beautiful paintings,” Iké explains. “It’s run by people who are really invested in the culture; the owner [Jason Panton] is a huge reggae DJ.” As such, Dubwise is the kind of place where locals are always dropping in to play; Iké herself has done so in the past. There’s also a shop that sells handmade art pieces by young Jamaican creatives, and delicious food vendors, too; don’t miss the soup and doubles at Triniyaad, the newly-opened Trini restaurant, or the vegan ice cream at Sweet Life Ja. You can even just chill with a drink, or play Dominoes and Ludi (the Jamaican name for Ludo). “I spend a lot of time at Dubwise…there’s a big tree overlooking the entire venue, so you feel like you’re just sitting in the forest enjoying some music,” says Iké.
When to go: Open Tuesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Jaz Elise
Along with musicians like Sevana and Lila Iké, Jasmine Taylor (aka Jaz Elise) is part of a group of rising Jamaican female artists who are making more soulful music that blends reggae and dancehall with R&B—and changing the sound of the island as a result. Born and raised in Harbor View, a coastal community in Kingston, Jaz—who is also a talented dancer and actress—released her first EP, The Golden Hour, in March 2021. Many of her songs and videos, like her March 2023 hit “Rice & Peas,” shine a spotlight on the true Jamaican experience and will inspire you to book a trip ASAP. “Rice & Peas” is also part of a love story trilogy, and the second installment—a “suspense-filled song,” according to Jaz—is dropping in February.
Like Uptown Mondays, Boom Sundays is another popular weekly street party in Kingston. Led by dancehall selector Marlon “Boom Boom” Wizard and his friend Harry Hype, Boom Sundays makes a point to support younger musicians—so if you want to get a feel for the emerging dancehall scene in Jamaica right now, this is your spot. “There’s a big sound system set up, and the community members just come out,” says Jaz Elise. “A lot of new artists pass through, mainly dancehall. If you want the realest experience, you go to Boom Sundays—it’s really authentic. It’s just a real street event.”
When to go: Sunday nights, around 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Similar to Dub Club, Skyline Levels (often referred to as just “Levels”) is also perched on a lush hilltop on Kingston’s famously beautiful Skyline Drive. But it’s a bigger event space with even more offerings, including a raised wooden stage for intimate live performances (the space can hold up to 450 people), a full recording studio, a bar, and an Ital (vegan) restaurant called Kamila’s Kitchen, as well as a rustic on-property bed and breakfast for travelers looking to experience the real “roots culture” of Jamaica. Ultimately, Levels is a cultural hub, though, like many things in Jamaica, it’s still mostly about the music. Many of today’s touring reggae artists have performed there, including Chronixx, Jah9, Kelissa, Protoje, Jesse Royal, and Kabaka Pyramid. “People go there for all sorts of different events, but you really just go to pay reverence to the music; it’s a sacred space,” explains Jaz Elise. Of course, the hilltop sanctuary vibes and incredible views are also a huge draw—especially at night when the Kingston city lights sparkle below. As Jaz Elise says, “They don’t call it Skyline for nothing!”
When to go: Open Thursday—Sunday; check their IG page for up-to-date event info
Teejay
In January 2024, Billboard named Timoy Janeyo Jones (known as Teejay, a.k.a. Up Top Boss) “the future of dancehall” in their digital cover story. The singer, who was born and raised in Montego Bay, is known for his modern interpretation of the genre, as he infuses his songs with rhythms from afrobeats and trap. Many of his lyrics follow a “rags to riches” storyline, as he himself grew up with few resources and has created a new life through his music. In April 2023, Teejay released his breakthrough hit “Drift,” along with a choreographed dance by dancer Gabi Don that inspired a viral TikTok dance challenge, leading to more than a billion views. His debut EP, I Am Chippy—which was executive produced by his mentor and GRAMMY-winning artist Shaggy—just dropped on February 2, 2024.
As an artist born and raised in Montego Bay, Teejay holds a special place in his heart for Pier One, a restaurant and event space with two locations in “MoBay” (one right on the beach and the other on the waterfront). “Pier One is in the city of Teejay!” he laughs. But hometown pride aside, he genuinely recommends it to all travelers. Unlike some locals around the world, who tend to bristle at touristy spots near their homes, Teejay actually loves that Pier One has an “uptown tourist vibe” and helps visitors experience his culture. “They do live music, and they also have authentic dancehall selectors who come and select for the tourists so everyone can feel our music,” he says. “The restaurants are really nice, too, especially the finger food…and the scenery is beautiful.”
When to go: Anytime
Clearly, Jamaica is all about the weekly dancehall street parties, and Boasey Tuesdays—which takes place in Kingston every Tuesday—is one of the best. “Boasey Tuesdays, Uptown Mondays, and Boom Sundays should be on every traveler’s bucket list, because they are where tourists can come and get to learn the dance moves and see all their favorite artists in the industry,” advises Teejay. In fact, the way he sees it, these street parties are the best way to connect with local artists, who want and need to be there for their own reasons. “If you’re doing music in Jamaica, you have to go into the street and make people know your face, because not everybody uses TikTok, and not everybody uses Instagram…some people just stick to the roots. So you have to place yourself in the street. You have to market yourself so your country can know about you. And street parties like Boasy Tuesdays are where you do that.”
When to go: Tuesday nights, 10 pm to 2 am
If you really want to go all in on Jamaican music culture, consider heading to the annual five-day Island Music Conference in Kingston. Chaired by the one and only Shaggy, the event takes place every February and features workshops, panels, discussions, dinners, film screenings, and live performances led by some of Jamaica’s top musical artists, producers, managers, and more. Teejay, who is part of the conference, calls it “a musical classroom with only icons,” one that will “open your vocabulary to the music industry in Jamaica.” To attend, you can either purchase a five-day festival pass ($500), or a daily pass for whichever day you want ($100).
When to go: February 21—25, 2024