Alkaline, Govana electrify Dream Weekend

Alkaline delivered one of the most talked-about moments of Dream Weekend, commanding the Dream Live stage with an explosive performance that sent patrons into a frenzy.

The dancehall star received a thunderous welcome the moment he stepped onto the stage, as fans screamed, cheered and celebrated his appearance. Throughout his 45-minute set, Alkaline made every moment count, delivering an electrifying performance that kept the audience fully engaged.

Performing a selection of his biggest hits, the deejay had patrons singing along word for word. The energy remained at a high as the crowd embraced the opportunity to see one of dancehall’s most celebrated artistes perform live, creating one of the standout moments of the night.

Govana also delivered a strong performance, bringing his signature lyrical style and stage presence to the Dream Live experience.

“Performing at Dream Weekend in Montego Bay for the first time was definitely interesting, but the energy remained the same,” Govana said. “I’ve done Dream Weekend about three times before, so this would make it my fourth appearance. The response was great, the energy was good, and it was just a great experience.”

Looking ahead, Govana said, fans can expect more from him as he continues to work on new projects and collaborations.

“They can never really tell what’s next with me,” he said. “Right now, we have the partnership with Guinness, we’re working on some more things, and we have other projects coming up. It’s always great because we’re always bringing something different.”

Veteran entertainer General B also delivered a memorable performance, adding a dose of nostalgia to the night’s line-up. His set connected with long-time fans while introducing his catalogue to a new generation of patrons, who joined in celebrating his contribution to dancehall music.

VIBRANT CELEBRATION

Dream Weekend 2026 officially got underway on Thursday night with an electrifying opening to the festival as Bad Beaches transformed Tropical Bliss Beach into a vibrant celebration of music, culture and entertainment, marking the festival’s first official opening event in Montego Bay.

Held in partnership with the Vanguards of the West, a collective of Montego Bay promoters, the event attracted a strong turnout of both local and international patrons, creating an energetic atmosphere that set the tone for the highly anticipated festival weekend.

Providing the soundtrack throughout the event was an impressive line-up of selectors, including Coppershot, Creep Chromatic, Fyahman, Dwayne Pow & Pioneer, and Dexta Peppa, who kept the crowd moving with an energetic mix of dancehall, reggae and party favourites well into the early hours of the morning.

Montego Bay artiste, Adofo, kept the energy high with an engaging performance that had patrons singing along from start to finish, setting the stage for an unforgettable night of entertainment.

Closing out the live performances, Montego Bay son Jamal delivered one of the evening’s standout sets, treating fans to some of his biggest hits, including Time Bomb, Ballandor, and East Syde. Performing in his hometown for the first time at Dream Wknd, the dancehall artiste became visibly emotional as he thanked fans for their unwavering support and reflected on the significance of the moment.

Jamal also elevated the excitement by bringing Qwella to the stage for a surprise appearance, drawing loud cheers from the crowd. He later paused his set to salute members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, affectionately referring to them as “peace officers” while thanking them for helping to maintain a safe and enjoyable atmosphere throughout the event.

With high-energy performances, an electric crowd response, and a production experience that matched the scale of the festival, Bad Beaches and Dream Live successfully set the tone for the remainder of Dream Weekend.

entertainment@gleanerjm.com