KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaican dancehall performer Lybran, also known as Rum Boss, has successfully established a culinary landmark in Antigua with the opening of his Reggae Village restaurant. Located in the scenic village of Willikies en route to Long Beach, the establishment caters primarily to the expanding Jamaican diaspora while simultaneously attracting local Antiguan patrons.
The artist-turned-entrepreneur revealed that the venture was born from necessity during the COVID-19 pandemic, coinciding with the birth of his youngest child in Antigua. ‘I asked God for a way to provide, and the restaurant concept emerged as the answer,’ Lybran confessed, emphasizing the tremendous sacrifice and determined mindset required to transform his vision into reality.
Reggae Village has rapidly gained recognition for its authentic Jamaican cuisine, drawing both local residents and international celebrities. The restaurant’s clientele includes members of the West Indies cricket team and various football squads, while its catering services constitute a significant portion of business operations.
Simultaneously maintaining his musical career, Lybran recently delivered a notable performance at Antigua’s One Nation Music Festival in early January. The event featured prominent artists including Capleton, Gramps Morgan, Mr Vegas, and Masicka. In a career highlight, Lybran joined Gramps Morgan onstage for an impromptu rendition of ‘Rum Talk Part 3,’ marking their first live collaboration despite previously recording the Grammy-nominated track ‘Rumnesia’ together in 2021.
The performance reportedly astonished many Antiguan residents who were previously unaware of Lybran’s artistic background, generating significant local recognition for the multi-talented entertainer originally from St. Thomas, whose given name is Lamon Morvin Cousins.