A wave of energy electrified the National Botanical Gardens on Night Two of the Barbados Reggae Weekend 2025, as dancehall juggernauts Skeng and Mavado took center stage, igniting the crowd with explosive sets that kept the vibes charged from start to finish.
The evening kicked off around 9 p.m. with an impressive lineup of local talent, setting a strong tone despite a modest early crowd. Brutal Crankstar opened with crowd-pleasers like Gone My Friend and Progress, passing the baton to Idea the Artist, who shared the stage with Marley for their collaborative hit Struggle.
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Chiief Diin kept the energy flowing with Tek Way Myself and his latest track Snake, while Lone Realness brought the heat with fan favorites like Chargie and Private Zess. The homegrown acts delivered a tight, energetic run until after 10 p.m., as fans continued to pour into the venue.
Skeng then stormed the stage, bringing his signature raw energy and charisma. Backed by three fierce dancers, he tore through a high-voltage set that had the crowd surging forward. Sweating, shirtless, and draped in intensity, Skeng held the audience in the palm of his hand, delivering a performance that proved why he was one of the night’s most anticipated acts.
Mavado closed the night with a powerful, hour-long set backed by a full band. Known for his gritty “war tunes,” the Gully God took a moment mid-performance to urge Barbadian youth to reject violence and embrace music as a positive outlet. His set featured fan favourites including I’m on the Rock, Money Changer, Overcome, Pepper, Beat and Teach, and slower jams like Come into My Room and Big Bumpa Gal, ending the night on a high.
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Intence’s appearance was interrupted by a warning over explicit lyrics in Like U and SHH, cutting his first set short. However, he later returned during Kraff’s segment, who amped up the energy with hits like White Rum, Behaviour, IKATION, and Nursery Rhymes, receiving a strong crowd response.
DJs including Legacy Team, DJ Ras, Sheldon Papp and Chasey, Jagwa De Champ, Surf Rat, and Menace kept the tempo up between live sets. Surf Rat and Menace added an unexpected but well-received rap segment, injecting a fresh twist into the evening’s flow.
Fashion on the night ranged from understated to bold, with lace and leather looks dominating the scene. Many attendees opted for the VIP experience, indulging in gourmet bites crafted by top Barbadian chefs like Adrian and Dane Saddler. However, as the venue filled, navigating the VIP food stations became a challenge.
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“The highlight of the night was the cast,” said one anonymous attendee. “The Bajan acts really stepped up. They were just as good, if not better, than some of the international names. Skeng and Mavado? Top tier.”
Yet, not everyone was impressed. VIP guest Dre voiced his frustration with what he called a poorly executed “Luxe” experience.
“I’ve been to plenty of VIP events, and this didn’t live up to the promise,” he said. “The space was cramped, drink options were limited, and the layout was chaotic. For a USD $150–$200 ticket, having to buy drinks and fight through crowds doesn’t scream VIP.”
He added that the limited bar menu and overcrowded food court left him questioning the event’s value. “If this becomes the standard, it’s not worth it.”
With the final day of the festival on the horizon, excitement continues to build. The Sunday event promises a more family-friendly vibe, featuring Barbados’ own Rite Side of Red, along with international stars Shabba Ranks, Busy Signal, Maxi Priest, Beenie Man, Etana, and Moily of Shake It to the Max fame.
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