Montego Bay, Jamaica – After we arrived at Catherine Corridor for Evening Two at Reggae Sumfest 2025, firebrand singjay Bugle was already igniting the stage.
Making a triumphant return after a nine-year absence, the Anointed singer delivered a deeply heartfelt set filled with fan favorites like Thank You Lord, Don’t Blame Life, Journeys, and What Have I Carried out to You. A poignant spotlight got here throughout his tribute to his mom on Caan Dis Mama, shifting many within the crowd to ship up nuff indicators with the vuvuzela (horn) and their cellphone lights in solidarity.
Fanton Mojah adopted with fireplace and fury, unleashing a string of non secular and socially aware hits from his acclaimed Hail the King album. Although his set lasted simply half-hour, the message in songs like Nuh Construct Nice Males, Thanks & Praises, Solely Jah Love, and Hail the King hit laborious. Mojah’s commanding presence left little doubt about his continued relevance in reggae’s roots revival.
From the U.S. Virgin Islands, Stress Buss Pipe introduced a clean but highly effective vibe. His vocal finesse and easy stage mastery had been evident all through, however the crowd erupted when he closed together with his worldwide anthem Love & Affection—an ideal finale to a powerful set.
Then got here I Wayne, and the temperature soared. In true militant kind, the Lava Floor singer torched societal ills with lyrical fireplace. Tackling themes from promiscuity to “unhealthy thoughts,” and even calling out Jamaica’s pores and skin bleaching pattern—reminding followers that even Vybz Kartel has now denounced it—I Wayne proved he’s nonetheless a lyrical drive. Tracks like Dwelling in Love, Contact Her Softly, Battle Dem a Research, and the enduring Can’t Fulfill Her drove the message dwelling. A shock duet with backup vocalist Jahmel on a reggae-flavored cowl of Deniece Williams’ Foolish introduced the home down.
Lila Iké delivered maybe essentially the most emotionally resonant and empowering efficiency of the evening. As soon as launched to Sumfest as a visitor of Protoje, she returned as a bonafide headliner. With standout tracks like Wished, I Spy, Second Likelihood, Good & Nice, and The place I’m Coming From, Lila’s artistry was simple. She was completely phenomenal!
She additionally shared a deeply private second—recounting a near-arrest en path to the pageant resulting from a mix-up involving demo license plates.
“I felt so alone, misplaced and confused,” she informed the viewers. Paradoxically, was the identical automobile that ended up transporting her to the pageant. Go determine!”
Protoje, a longtime Jamaica favourite, saved the momentum going with an unapologetic, politically charged set. He opened with the explosive Blood Cash, calling out corruption at each degree— occurring in upscale Cherry Gardens to Ironshore—and referencing the 2010 Tivoli Incursion. Songs like Rasta Love, Royalty, and Who Is aware of (initially performed with Chronixx) reaffirmed his place as a grasp lyricist and cultural commentator.
Sadly, the evening’s most anticipated act, Toni Braxton, didn’t dwell as much as the hype. Beset by early technical points and struggling to attach with the Jamaican viewers, her efficiency fell flat. Whereas she drew nostalgic cheers for classics like Love Ought to’ve Introduced You Residence, Breathe Once more, and Un-Break My Coronary heart, the vitality by no means absolutely materialized.
Her lukewarm efficiency in entrance of a really subtle musical viewers in Jamaica might be attributed to a number of elements—together with well being challenges from Lupus, which she alluded to throughout her set,” famous New York-based podcaster Michael Porter.
Including to the frustration, Toni’s administration unexpectedly lower media entry within the press pit after simply two songs—prompting dismay from journalists wanting to doc the Grammy winner’s full efficiency.
Nonetheless, with electrifying performances from Bugle, Fanton Mojah, Stress, I Wayne, Lila Iké, and Protoje, Evening Two delivered reggae in its purest, most passionate kind. And in true Reggae Sumfest custom, the tradition reigned supreme.
