The Viral Under Eye Masks I Always Pack for Jamaica Plus 9 Other Items to Bring

Don't leave Jamaica without taking in some music. It's one of the island's biggest cultural exports. Reggae, Ska, Dancehall, the tradition of toasting, Dub, Sound Clash, Lover's Rock — all were created in Jamaica and are worth experiencing live.

Caribbean artists big and small are constantly performing. Whether or not you're familiar with their work, catching a show is an absolute must. Before you arrive, it'd help to do a little research. Check Eventbrite, Visit Jamaica, Bandsintown, Touchstone Link, or any other website that offers a calendar or list of events going down on the island. Chances are, you'll be able to see a reggae or dancehall icon perform at a large or intimate venue.

My first night in Kingston, I visited the MECA (Marketplace Entertainment Centre for the Arts) nightclub. When I rolled up and bought my ticket, I found out — surprise! — legendary reggae artist Sizzla was performing that very night.

Larger outdoor concerts are also a thing, and I was fortunate enough to attend a historic one on my visit to Jamaica. In July 2024, Dancehall artist Vybz Kartel was released from prison after serving a 14-year sentence. If you're unfamiliar with his name, you probably have heard some of his songs. His 2008 hit "Ramping Shop" with fellow dancehall artist Spice used the instrumentals from Ne-Yo's "Independent Woman" and turned it into a raunchy-yet-romantic duet. Kartel was sentenced to prison in 2011, but still enjoyed career successes while locked up, including but not limited to 2016's "Fever," which he recorded in prison for his "King of the Dancehall" album. Yes — Kartel was even churning out hits under lockdown.

Weeks after his release, he announced his return to the stage, set for New Year's Eve 2024. The show took place at Jamaica's National Stadium in Kingston. If you need a comparison, that's akin to Beyoncé playing at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey — a majorly huge deal. The concert was a historic moment for Jamaican and dancehall culture, and a privilege to witness.

In my case, getting tickets was not easy. Much like when any super famous international artist announces a show or a tour, demand for tickets was so high, the website crashed. I experienced multiple issues getting my tickets, even after I purchased them. Fortunately, the production company putting on the show, Downsound Entertainment, had customer service that was extremely attentive and responsive to my myriad issues. Gracious, helpful, and you could tell they genuinely cared that I got to partake in this experience.

The show, overall, was incredible, from the design of the 360° stage, to the crew of dancehall artists that joined Kartel onstage throughout the concert. I wound up in the VIP section right next to the stage, which, to my surprise, was drinks inclusive. Easily the best New Year's Eve I've ever experienced, and one of the best concerts I've attended.