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BRIDGETOWN, Barbados — One of the most beloved annual Caribbean cultural celebrations kicked off Friday night at Bridgetown’s iconic Kensington Oval, where a star-studded roster of reggae’s most enduring trailblazers drew a capacity crowd to open Barbados Reggae Weekend 2026, affirming the genre’s unwavering global popularity decades after its rise to international acclaim.

Titled the Mount Gay Legends of Reggae Show and Dance, the opening night event brought together iconic pioneers of the genre, including dancehall legend Super Cat, roots star Barrington Levy, vocalist JC Lodge, trailblazing deejay Sister Nancy, reggae artist Norris Man and fan favorite Biggie Irie. Local DJs rotated between pumping out classic reggae anthems and hyping the crowd between high-energy sets, keeping the energy high from the first act to the last.

Weeks of anticipation preceded the event, which sold out well in advance, and attendees who spoke with local outlet Observer Online shared what drew them to the stadium Friday night. Local Bajan resident Ricky Don told reporters, “I am here tonight to have a good time…I don’t have a favourite, I love everything. I would encourage the whole world to visit Barbados.”

Sharone, another attendee, shared that she never misses a reggae festival, and said she had been looking forward to Super Cat’s set for months. Dionne, a native of Jamaica’s May Pen Clarendon who relocated to Barbados in 1986, said she and her family have made an annual tradition out of attending the event, and she praised the lineup for delivering authentic Jamaican reggae. She named JC Lodge as her most anticipated performer of the night. For California native Theo, it is the unique atmosphere of the event that keeps him returning year after year. “It’s the vibe, the music and the artistes,” he explained of what draws him back to the festival.

Thousands of attendees echoed that enthusiasm, packing the standing-room-only concourse and filling nearly every reserved seat in the stadium to capacity. The veteran performers delivered exactly what fans came for, starting with Biggie Irie, whose renowned smooth vocals opened the show. He took a moment mid-set to honor Stephen “Cat” Coore, the legendary reggae guitarist and founding member of Third World who passed away earlier this year.

Sister Nancy, who broke barriers as a female deejay starting in the 1970s, brought her signature high energy to the stage, working the crowd with her classic deejay style before closing her set with her globally beloved mega-hit *Bam Bam*. Speaking to reporters after her performance, she reflected on her decades-long career and her enduring cross-generational popularity. “Young people always love Sister Nancy…I’ve been here since 1976…Don’t you hear what I say? Ain’t no stopping Nancy. I mean that,” she said.

JC Lodge, whose decades-spanning hit *Someone Loves You, Honey* had the entire stadium singing along in unison, also addressed reggae’s lasting legacy across the globe. She acknowledged that while the genre has millions of dedicated fans worldwide, it faces growing barriers to mainstream exposure in many major markets. “For example, I live in the United Kingdom and years ago…it was played on mainstream channels in the UK, but now not so much. You might hear Bob Marley, Sean Paul, but not much else,” she explained. Lodge noted that reggae is increasingly boxed into niche ethnic music categories in mainstream media, making it far harder for contemporary reggae artists to break through to widespread audiences. Against that backdrop, she called Barbados Reggae Weekend a vital celebration of the genre. “I am happy that there are events like this that still push reggae because there are still reggae fans out there and they wanna hear it.”

To the crowd’s delight, Lodge even peeled off layered outer pieces of her bright orange ensemble to reveal a pair of shorts for an energetic impromptu dance mid-set. Reflecting on the honor of performing on a stage dedicated to reggae’s legends, she added: “It’s great to be celebrated by fans, by the audience, because as an artiste, that’s what I am here for.”

As the night stretched into early Saturday morning, sets from Barrington Levy and headliner Super Cat sent the already excited crowd into a frenzy. Even a light intermittent drizzle did nothing to dampen the mood, with diehard fans choosing to stay in their spots and embrace the light rain rather than miss a minute of the performances.

After the final encore, attendees left the stadium glowing, with many praising the night as an instant classic. One young attendee summed up the general consensus, calling the lineup of veteran performers a “masterclass” in authentic reggae.

British women’s fashion retailer Phase Eight has launched a highly anticipated new collaborative campaign with iconic British venue Goodwood Racecourse, gearing up for the 2026 horse racing season. Leading the campaign as its official face is Jamaican fashion model Tami Williams, represented by global modeling agency SAINT International.

Shot by acclaimed fashion photographer Cristian Hunter, the campaign photoshoot took place at California’s legendary Santa Anita Racetrack earlier this year. Williams shares the spotlight with Dutch top model Julia Bergshoeff, as the pair showcases a curated line-up of race day-ready apparel and accessories tailored to Goodwood’s full racing calendar.

The co-branded collection centers on versatile occasionwear, designed to fit everything from opening day outings to high-profile festival gatherings at the iconic venue. Garment options span flowing maxi dresses, tailored midi silhouettes and classic wrap styles, embellished with on-trend details ranging from delicate floral prints and timeless navy polka dots to gradient ombré pleating. Completing the looks is a full range of coordinated accessories, including elegant bow clutch bags, structured high block sandals, textured twist headbands and traditional fascinators that align with longstanding racing fashion traditions.

In an exclusive interview with Observer Online, conducted while Williams was on location in Greece shooting an upcoming campaign for repeat client American retail brand Tuckernuck, the 25-year-old model opened up about the behind-the-scenes experience of the Phase Eight shoot. “We shot the Phase Eight campaign at the Santa Anita Racetrack in California in February,” Williams explained. “It was a really great day at the track, and it was especially interesting working with the horses. Their groomers were always on-set just off camera just in case they got too restless.”

With 12 years of experience working across the global fashion industry already under her belt, Williams noted that the collaboration with Bergshoeff brought a joyful cross-cultural dynamic to the set. Per SAINT International, the two models bonded over exchanging stories and insights about their respective home cultures of Jamaica and the Netherlands during breaks in filming.

For Goodwood Racecourse, the partnership marks another chapter in the venue’s centuries-long history. The Goodwood estate was originally purchased by the first Duke of Richmond, son of King Charles II, back in 1697, and the first public horse racing meet was hosted on the grounds in 1802. Today, the venue hosts a packed annual racing schedule that kicks off its 2025 season opening day on May 1, with additional major racing events scheduled across July, August and September, including the high-profile Qatar Goodwood Festival and the annual Autumn Racing series. Phase Eight holds the official title of Goodwood Races’ women’s wear partner for the 2025 season.

Founded in 1979 by designer Patsy Seddon as a single small boutique on London’s Wandsworth Common, Phase Eight has grown dramatically into a global retail brand. It now operates 106 standalone stores and 207 in-store concessions across the United Kingdom, with an additional 18 standalone locations and 128 concessions spread across Switzerland, Germany, Australia, the United Arab Emirates and Ireland.

Williams is not the first SAINT International model to front a Phase Eight campaign: she follows in the footsteps of Martiniquan model Aurelie Giraud, who featured in the British brand’s Summer 2025 collection advertising campaign last year.

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados — On a electric Friday night at Kensington Oval, pioneering reggae deejay Sister Nancy delivered a powerhouse performance at the Mount Gay Legends of Reggae Show and Dance, the flagship event of Barbados Reggae Weekend, that reminded thousands of attendees exactly why she has earned her status as one of reggae music’s most enduring icons.

The 64-year-old artist, whose career stretches back nearly five decades, brought unrelenting energy to the stage, her commanding presence drawing roars of approval from a cross-generational crowd that included both lifelong fans and younger listeners who discovered her work through modern social media. By the end of her set, she had once again cemented her warm place in the hearts of reggae lovers across all age groups.

The performance comes on the heels of an unexpected viral breakout earlier this year, when a clip of Sister Nancy delivering a heartfelt surprise performance at her niece’s wedding spread rapidly across platforms like TikTok and Instagram, introducing her iconic sound to a whole new generation of listeners. Speaking to *Observer Online* after her Barbados set, the artist brushed off any surprise at her ongoing popularity with young audiences, noting that youth have always connected with her music.

“I’ve been here from 1976…Don’t you hear me seh ain’t no stopping Nancy? I mean that,” she told reporters, leaning into the unshakeable confidence that has defined her decades-long career.

Best known globally for her timeless 1982 hit *Bam Bam* — one of the most sampled reggae tracks in history — Sister Nancy admitted that she never anticipated she would still be touring and performing for audiences at 64. Far from taking her ongoing success for granted, she described her continuing career as an unexpected gift that she cherishes deeply.

Footage of the landmark performance was captured by videographer Dana Malcolm.

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados — Reggae trailblazer Sister Nancy delivered a masterclass in live performance Friday, drawing a roaring response from attendees at the Barbados Reggae Weekend’s Mount Gay Legends of Reggae Show and Dance held at Kensington Oval. The iconic deejay, whose career stretches back nearly five decades, brought an unmatchable high-energy set that resonated with cross-generational fans, once again proving why she remains one of the genre’s most beloved figures.

Fresh off an unexpected viral surge earlier this year when a heartfelt performance at her niece’s wedding spread across social media and won over a new wave of fans, Sister Nancy opened up about her decades-long career in an interview with Observer Online. She emphasized that young audiences have consistently embraced her work, even decades after she first stepped onto the music scene in 1976. Echoing the unshakeable confidence that has defined her career, she stated, “Don’t you hear me seh ain’t no stopping Nancy?”

Best known globally for her timeless, genre-defining hit *Bam Bam*, the 64-year-old artist told reporters she never anticipated she would still be commanding stages and connecting with audiences decades into her career. For her, every performance today is a welcome blessing she does not take for granted. Footage of the electrifying set was captured by videographer Dana Malcolm.

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados — The iconic Kensington Oval played host to a vibrant, cross-cultural gathering on the opening night of Barbados Reggae Weekend, drawing thousands of music enthusiasts from across the Caribbean and around the globe. All gathered to celebrate the enduring legacy of reggae music and watch performances from some of the genre’s most legendary and beloved artists.

Kicked off with the official title “Mount Gay Legends of Reggae Show and Dance”, the first night of the event was crafted as a tribute to the pioneering trailblazers who have shaped reggae over decades. The stacked lineup featured some of the biggest names in the business, including Jamaican dancehall trailblazer Sister Nancy, beloved soul-reggae vocalist JC Lodge, iconic deejay Super Cat, roots-reggae star Barrington Levy, celebrated roots artist Norris Man and popular Caribbean performer Biggie Irie.

Local media outlet Jamaica Observer caught up with attendees on the ground, where fans shared their excitement ahead of the performances. Some spoke specifically about the one artist they had been most eager to see take the stage, while others expressed that every performer on the lineup was a must-see, making it impossible to pick a favorite.

When asked what draws them back to the annual Barbados Reggae Festival year after year, attendees highlighted two standout factors that keep the event a staple on their cultural calendars. Many cited the infectious, laid-back yet energetic collective vibe of the festival as their top reason for returning, while others emphasized the consistent quality of the lineup of talent that organizers bring to Bridgetown each year. On-the-ground video footage of the event was captured by journalist Dana Malcolm.

Veteran Jamaican gospel reggae performer Carlene Davis has expressed profound humility and gratitude after securing a nomination in the Best Gospel Entertainer category for the 2026 International Reggae & World Music Awards (IRAWMA), one of the most prestigious global honors for reggae and world music creators. The 2026 IRAWMA ceremony is scheduled to take place on May 17 at the Lauderdale Performing Arts Center in South Florida, drawing hundreds of industry professionals, fans, and artists from across the globe.

In an exclusive reflection on her nomination, Davis shared that recognition from the IRAWMA holds special meaning, not just for her career but for the broader gospel music community. “Nominations are a part of life, something that happens based on how people see things and not necessarily what you expect,” she explained. “I do appreciate the nomination, especially from where the message of the gospel is recognised and is so necessary in our society. So much so that the organisers of IRAWMA would give the gospel of Jesus Christ a category.” Davis joins seven other talented nominees in the category, including DJ Nicholas, Kevin Downswell, Papa San, Judith Gayle, Prince Saj, and Jason Mighty.

For the veteran performer, this latest nomination carries far more symbolic weight than just a shot at another trophy. Davis framed the recognition as a quiet, powerful reminder of hope amid uncertain times. “It means, ‘As long as there is life there is hope,’ according to how the Holy Spirit guides us through all truth…” she said.

Davis’ history with the IRAWMA stretches back decades, long before the awards adopted their current name. Her first nominations and wins date back to the 1980s, when the ceremony was known as Martin’s International Reggae Music Awards. Over the years, she has taken home honors in categories ranging from Best Female Vocalist and Best Music Video to Best Gospel Oriented Entertainer, and claimed the 1992 award for Best Gospel Album. Most recently, she earned the IRAWMA Best Gospel Album award in 2015 for her critically acclaimed project *Dripping Blood*.

Despite her long track record of industry recognition, Davis says she enters this nomination cycle with a grounded perspective: she already considers herself a winner. A self-described non-competitive artist by nature, Davis pointed to her faith as the source of her contentment. “By being nominated in this international event that gives recognition to persons in the music industry on a global level, I am already a winner, being a part of the Kingdom of God,” she said. “And if Carlene Davis wins, it is a victory for the kingdom; and for that I say to God be the glory.”

The coming year has already been a busy one for Davis, who has been actively ministering across the globe in recent months. Her tour schedule has taken her across the Caribbean, with stops in Barbados, St Lucia, Dominica, and Guyana, as well as multiple performances across the United States and her home country of Jamaica. This year also saw her minister to audiences on the Love & Harmony Cruise on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026.

Davis has continued to release new work in recent years, most recently co-producing and releasing the full project *Songs of Zion* and the single *Holy Forever* under the Glory Music label, distributed through VPal Music. One of her recent singles, *No Regrets*, earned the honor of Outstanding Reggae Recording of 2025 at The Marlin’s Awards held in the Bahamas. In addition to her IRAWMA nomination, Davis added another major career honor in early 2026, when she received the Marcus Garvey Iconic Award from the Commission of the City of Miramar, Florida, back in February.