Dancehall Week is slated for February 23 – March 2, and the time draws nigh, the Dancehall Week committee announces line-up for this year’s festivities in Kingston, Jamaica.
Following its inaugural success, Dancehall Week 2025 is set to offer a broader array of activities that amplifies the cultural impact of dancehall.
Affiliating parties and performances aside, attendees will be treated this year to the complete dancehall village experience at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre.
This space includes a dancehall museum — which chronicles 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.
Members of the Dancehall Week 2025 committee.. (Photos: Contributed)
Brandon Wallace, brand manager for Magnum Tonic Wine, shared this: ‘Magnum Tonic Wine has long been a champion of the dancehall culture. For two and a half decades, Magnum has stood side by side with the dancehall community, not just as a sponsor, but as a partner deeply committed to its growth and has consistently provided platforms for dancehall talent to shine both locally and internationally. This commitment drives everything we do, and we are thrilled to continue strengthening our ties with the dancehall fraternity through initiatives like Dancehall Week.’
While Double 7 Energy Drink Brand Manager Bobette Bolton stated that: ‘Dancehall week represents a showcase of Jamaica’s history, culture and the beauty that is of and from our people. It is our Jamaican energy, vibe, and creativity. Chas E Ramson as a Jamaican Company is all about supporting the continuity and upliftment of Cultural expressions. Through our Double Seven Brand we can match and support the energy and the vibe that will be expressed at Dancehall Week 2025.’
Dancehall Week Project Manager Talisa Taylor explored the expansive vision for the sophomore staging, stating ‘Dancehall Week 2025 is meticulously crafted to offer a comprehensive encounter with the dancehall music business and entertainment scene. From producer and deejay workshops to insightful seminars, attendees will gain a full spectrum of knowledge and enjoyment. 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 [event] will feature spontaneous street dance pop-ups, culminating in three major events following our newly scheduled evening street parade.’
The highlight events include the Dancehall Fashion Road Block and the grand finals of the Rep Your Parish competition, boasting over JM$1m in cash and prizes.
The week will climax with the Double Seven Street Parade and subsequent after-party, Carousing – showcasing live performances from Pamputtae, Jah Vinci, and Jada Kingdom, among others.
Dave Goldson, director for Dancehall Week, reflected on the festival’s evolution, saying, ‘Last year we laid a solid foundation for celebrating Jamaica’s dancehall culture. This year, we are building on that groundwork with innovative activities, including a kickoff church service that honors the gospel influences within dancehall music. Our goal is to promote unity and growth within the dancehall community in every possible aspect.’
Endorsements for Dancehall Week 2025 have been secured from the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Culture Gender Entertainment and Sport, The Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), and the Kingston and St Andrew Corporation (KSAC). It is also officially part of the Reggae Month event lineup for 2025.
For more information on Dancehall Week 2025, follow us on Instagram @dancehall.week or visit our website at www.dancehallweek.com.
