Music, community mark Treasure Beach festival’s return

For reggae artiste Protoje, returning to St Elizabeth to perform at the Treasure Beach Food, Rum & Reggae Festival was about more than taking the stage. It was an opportunity to reconnect with a community he considers a second home, following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa in 2025. “It feels great to be back in St Elizabeth. There’s always a positive energy here, and I grew up in these areas, so it’s great to be back and see people out enjoying themselves,” Protoje said.

“After Melissa, it’s really good to see the community coming together and people getting back out and enjoying themselves after everything they’ve been through. The place isn’t perfect yet, and recovery takes time, but seeing this kind of energy here shows that we’re up and running,” he added.

Held last Saturday, the festival’s main concert marked its return to its birthplace in Treasure Beach, bringing together residents, visitors and music lovers for an evening of live entertainment. The staging, held in association with Appleton Estate, attracted a crowd that exceeded organisers’ expectations.

Protoje, a Grammy-nominated artiste, headlined the concert alongside Lila Iké, with rising talents Zac Jone$, Alexx A-Game and Dahvid Slur also taking the stage. A surprise appearance by fellow reggae artiste Jesse Royal added to the night’s entertainment.

Lila Iké was among the evening’s highlights, captivating patrons with her soulful vocals, commanding stage presence and infectious energy. Her performance drew enthusiastic responses from the audience, many of whom sang and danced along to her blend of reggae and soul.

For first-time festival attendee Sharine Clarke, seeing Lila Iké perform was the defining moment of the evening.

“I’m happy that the people of St Elizabeth got the chance to experience this festival. It has been an amazing experience so far. This is my first time attending the festival.

The most memorable part of the night for me was seeing Lila Iké perform. She brought the energy and vibes we needed and has set the tone for what I can expect at the final event,” Clarke shared.

The entertainment built steadily throughout the evening, with DJ Kurt Riley, DJ Ratty, Exterminator, DJ Kevo, DJ Nova and Jason Panton Dubwise keeping the music flowing between performances.

Clayson Parchment, popularly known as DJ Ratty, described the experience as a meaningful homecoming.

“As a DJ and a patron, it feels awesome to witness the festival’s return to its birthplace. Last year, as we were about to cross the finish line, Hurricane Melissa disrupted our plans and devastated the communities,” he said. “Now, coming back to St Elizabeth feels like a grounding moment, and it signifies that we’re bouncing back and have overcome the worst. It’s a joy seeing residents enjoy this event right in their hometown. This is the true food, rum and reggae experience.”

Festival Co-Director Gregory Wright said the turnout and audience response reflected the excitement surrounding the festival’s return.

“Saturday night was truly special for us. The turnout exceeded our expectations, and the energy from the crowd throughout the performances was incredible. From the emerging artistes who set the tone for the evening to the performances by Lila Iké and Protoje, and the surprise appearance by Jesse Royal, the entertainment delivered everything we had hoped for and more.

“What made it even more meaningful was seeing so many people from St Elizabeth and beyond coming together to celebrate. After everything the parish has been through, this was about more than putting on a great show. It was about bringing back that sense of excitement, pride and community spirit to Treasure Beach,” Wright explained.

The festival’s partnership with Appleton Estate also featured prominently in the staging, with the rum brand joining Wray & Nephew Overproof Rum and Sangster’s Rum Cream in celebrating the island’s cultural traditions.

Saturday’s concert was the centrepiece of the festival’s three-day programme, which began with Dubwise on Friday, November 6, and concluded with the 7/11 Beach Party on Sunday, November 8.

Beyond the stage, patrons also enjoyed a food and artisan village featuring Jamaican cuisine, locally made products, and offerings from entrepreneurs and creatives.

entertainment@gleanerjm.com