Words by LargeUp Crew
Photo by Martei Korley

Reggae Sumfest is happening this week and, for the first time, Jamaica’s toppa top stageshow will present an exclusively Jamaican talent roster. While the Montego Bay music fest, now in its 24th year, is of course known for presenting the biggest names in reggae and dancehall, this year it will place an extra emphasis on the local talent pool as the long-standing International Nights have been eliminated. It’s an opportunity to take a close look at Jamaican music as it stands in 2016, as the festival features a diverse lineup of veteran artists, current superstars, and up-and-coming artists ready to claim their place at the top of the heap in reggae and dancehall.

Scroll through here to see the 12 acts we’re looking forward to catching at Sumfest 2016.

If you’re in Jamaica, or headed there for the weekend, get your tickets to Sumfest here. If you’re not, well, you can watch it right here, in 360-degree, virtual reality, on the player below, or at reggaesumfest.com.