The countdown is officially on to the Road March, this as the Greatest Show On Earth, Trinidad and Tobago’s carnival street parade, draws closer. Army Fete now gone, hard hitters of the feting scene are analyzing things, weighing the Road contenders and the crowd response each would have incited.
The Army Fete experience on Friday night at the Queen’s Park Savannah, saw thousands gather to see the biggest soca stars hit the stage, chief among them, the King of Soca, Machel Montano and his full band, the Asylum Vikings and of course, MX Prime and the Ultimate Rejects. There was really hardly any disappointment on show night and as usual, the big flags came out in all their glory, anticipating the moment their stage Gods would call upon them to bring the crowd to their feet with the big flag wave that’s part and parcel of the REAL Carnival vibe. Fay Ann Lyons, Bunji Garlin and the Asylum Vikings- the first band to strike up on Friday night following performances by Orlando Octave, Shal Marshal and others, were pretty good, but the crowd still settling in, stood looking on, watching as the husband and wife team worked the stage, delivering hit after hit without failure. Devon Matthews was introduced and his energy transcended into the crowd like nothing else could. Ella Andall’s absence from the performance took nothing away and like a choir, the massive Army crowd, sang along. It was amazing to say the least.
Fay Ann Lyons once again took the opportunity to prove that she’s no push over. On Friday night, with what seemed like an agenda to bring back the true carnival revelry of years gone by, the woman many once referred to as the Silver Surfer, commanded the big flag crews to move, and they listened. Her Road March contender, ‘Hold Something’ was forceful and enjoyed by sweaty, happy fetters. In less than 3 minutes, Super Blue’s daughter had created a scene at the Savannah.
Ahead of its 11th annual voyage in November, Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley’s Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruiseshares its story through a new film. VIBE premiered All in the Same Boat, a documentary directed by acclaimed filmmaker, Reshma B and produced by Boomshots TV that traces Marley and his manager Dan Dalton’s brainchild from a bold, outsider idea into one of the most culturally significant movements in reggae and dancehall today.
With over a decade’s worth of unforgettable moments pulled from the last 10 voyages, this 30+ minute documentary captures the spirit of a global reggae community built on shared identity, resilience, and reverence for Jamaican culture. It features iconic performances, real conversations with the artistes and DJs, and the heartbeat of it all: the “Jamrockers.” These are die-hard reggae lovers from over 40 countries who pull up every year for one reason – to feel that irreplaceable connection to Jamaican culture and keep the Marley message of “One Love” alive.
Having successfully navigated challenges including extreme weather and a global pandemic, the Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise continues to thrive. Its 11th staging will return for its annual voyage from November 11th to the 16th, sailing from Miami aboard Norwegian Joy.
Stacked from foundation to future, this year’s lineup brings together reggae and dancehall’s most influential voices: Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley and Stephen Marley (Traffic Jam Set), Burning Spear, Sizzla, Capleton, Beenie Man, Protoje, Barrington Levy, Elephant Man, Junior Reid, Lila Iké, Ding Dong & the Ravers Clavers, Tony Matterhorn “Man on the Moon”, Gyptian, 450, Richie Spice, Ghost, Mr. Lexx, Professor Nuts, L.U.S.T., Sister Carol, Sevana, Flourgon, Johnny P, and Jemere Morgan are confirmed.
The cruise’s famed Sound Clash at Sea will return alongside powerhouse sound systems including Stone Love (Geefus), King Jammy, Silverhawk Sound, Rory Stone Love, Renaissance Sound, Federation Sound, Warrior Sound, Rampage Sound, Kingston12 HiFi and Souljah1 Muzik, preserving a cornerstone of Jamaican music culture in its most authentic form.
Jamrock is a Premiere Reggae Event
The Jamrock experience has evolved into the premier reggae event at sea—one that continues to redefine how the culture is celebrated on a global stage. The five-day experience continues to immerse guests in the full spectrum of Jamaican life—from Nyabinghi sunrise sessions and sound bath meditations to dancehall workshops, fitness programming, and curated culinary offerings led by acclaimed Chef Lumley. A new addition this year includes a live theatrical production by legendary playwright Oliver Samuels, adding yet another layer to the cruise’s ever-expanding cultural canvas.
Beenie Man will be on the cruise in November.
Following the impact of Hurricane Melissa in 2025, the cruise will return to Jamaica with renewed purpose, maintaining its distinction as the only chartered cruise with two Jamaican port stops. That commitment translates into tangible impact, generating millions annually for the island’s tourism and cultural economy while reinforcing a direct connection between the music, the people, and the place that birthed it.
As All in the Same Boat makes clear, Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise is a movement with its own rhythm, one that continues to bring the diaspora home, while inviting the world in. Since its inception in 2014, the mission remains the same: to create a space where reggae lives, breathes, and connects us all.
The documentary made its debut during the 10th annual cruise and later screened at Art Basel in support of hurricane relief efforts led by the Marley family’s Ghetto Youths Foundation. Damian Marley and Dan Dalton were executive producers of the film.
Jamaican dancehall artiste, Popcaan continues to bridge generations in music with the release of his powerful new single, ‘Born Fi Conquer.’ The track features veteran reggae singer, Junior Reid and was produced by Popcaan’s nephew, rising talent, Joel Engineer.
The track is a bold and inspiring anthem rooted in purpose and resilience, says the entertainer’s team. “From its opening moments, Born Fi Conquer delivers a strong message of self-worth and perseverance, reminding listeners that no matter their occupation or circumstance, they are deserving of greatness,” a media statement issued, reassured.
Anchored by the affirming refrain, “Born fi win, born fi conquer,” the single encourages individuals to step fully into their potential and live out their purpose unapologetically.
Popcaan continues to show his ability to seamlessly blend contemporary dancehall with timeless influences and on this collaboration he once again demonstrates his deep respect for the foundation of Jamaican music. His collaboration with the ‘One Blood’ legend, Junior Reid highlights a consistent pattern in his career; intentionally creating alongside legendary voices who helped shape the sound and Jamaican culture and the dancehall genre.
Junior Reid’s verse which adds depth and authenticity to the record, pays tribute to the hardworking people of Jamaica while reinforcing a message of upward mobility and hope. With lines centered on perseverance and progress, he reminds listeners that “the only way is up,” echoing the song’s overarching theme of triumph.
“Working with Junior Reid is a great honour for me. I have deep respect for the elders who paved the way and built this industry. Being able to create great music with them is a full circle moment,” said Poppy. The new single was produced by Joel Engineer and signals the emergence of a new generation of producers, blending fresh sonic direction with culturally rich storytelling.
‘Born Fi Conquer’ is now available on all major streaming platforms.
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