Montego Bay, Jamaica – When we arrived at Catherine Hall for Night Two at Reggae Sumfest 2025, firebrand singjay Bugle was already igniting the stage.
Making a triumphant return after a nine-year absence, the Anointed singer delivered a deeply heartfelt set packed with fan favorites like Thank You Lord, Don’t Blame Life, Journeys, and What Have I Done to You. A poignant highlight came during his tribute to his mother on Caan Dis Mama, moving many in the crowd to send up nuff signals with the vuvuzela (horn) and their phone lights in solidarity.
Fanton Mojah followed with fire and fury, unleashing a string of spiritual and socially conscious hits from his acclaimed Hail the King album. Though his set lasted just 30 minutes, the message in songs like Nuh Build Great Men, Thanks & Praises, Only Jah Love, and Hail the King hit hard. Mojah’s commanding presence left little doubt about his continued relevance in reggae’s roots revival.
From the U.S. Virgin Islands, Pressure Buss Pipe brought a smooth yet powerful vibe. His vocal finesse and effortless stage mastery were evident throughout, but the crowd erupted when he closed with his international anthem Love & Affection—a perfect finale to an impressive set.
Then came I Wayne, and the temperature soared. In true militant form, the Lava Ground singer torched societal ills with lyrical fire. Tackling themes from promiscuity to “bad mind,” and even calling out Jamaica’s skin bleaching trend—reminding fans that even Vybz Kartel has now denounced it—I Wayne proved he’s still a lyrical force. Tracks like Living in Love, Touch Her Softly, War Dem a Study, and the iconic Can’t Satisfy Her drove the message home. A surprise duet with backup vocalist Jahmel on a reggae-flavored cover of Deniece Williams’ Silly brought the house down.
Lila Iké delivered perhaps the most emotionally resonant and empowering performance of the night. Once introduced to Sumfest as a guest of Protoje, she returned as a bonafide headliner. With standout tracks like Wanted, I Spy, Second Chance, Good & Great, and Where I’m Coming From, Lila’s artistry was undeniable. She was absolutely phenomenal!
She also shared a deeply personal moment—recounting a near-arrest en route to the festival due to a mix-up involving demo license plates.
“I felt so alone, lost and confused,” she told the audience. Ironically, was the same vehicle that ended up transporting her to the festival. Go figure!”
Protoje, a longtime Jamaica favorite, kept the momentum going with an unapologetic, politically charged set. He opened with the explosive Blood Money, calling out corruption at every level— happening in upscale Cherry Gardens to Ironshore—and referencing the 2010 Tivoli Incursion. Songs like Rasta Love, Royalty, and Who Knows (originally done with Chronixx) reaffirmed his place as a master lyricist and cultural commentator.
Unfortunately, the night’s most anticipated act, Toni Braxton, didn’t live up to the hype. Beset by early technical issues and struggling to connect with the Jamaican audience, her performance fell flat. While she drew nostalgic cheers for classics like Love Should’ve Brought You Home, Breathe Again, and Un-Break My Heart, the energy never fully materialized.
Her lukewarm performance in front of a very sophisticated musical audience in Jamaica could be attributed to several factors—including health challenges from Lupus, which she alluded to during her set,” noted New York-based podcaster Michael Porter.
Adding to the frustration, Toni’s management unexpectedly cut media access in the press pit after just two songs—prompting dismay from journalists eager to document the Grammy winner’s full performance.
Still, with electrifying performances from Bugle, Fanton Mojah, Pressure, I Wayne, Lila Iké, and Protoje, Night Two delivered reggae in its purest, most passionate form. And in true Reggae Sumfest tradition, the culture reigned supreme.
