2 days ago
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With the first Soundcheck for 2025 squared away, producer Carleene Samuels is already looking towards the next staging and a return to the event’s regular stomping grounds.
“[For] the next staging, we’re heading back to our original home, Dubwise Café at 82 Lady Musgrave Road. The next show will be on April 17,” she told The Gleaner. “Soundcheck will be happening every other month this year. Last year, we started in May and had six stagings, and we’re keeping that same momentum with six for 2025.”
Though the Soundcheck crew remained tight-lipped about who the upcoming performers would be for the next instalment, they made it clear that it would be worth it.
“We like to keep the next performer under wraps, but just know it’s always going to be someone worth seeing!” Samuels said.
The 2025 iteration of Soundcheck started with a bang, taking place at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre on February 27. Eager attendees waited patiently for the performances of some of Jamaica’s biggest dancehall musicians, including Skeng, Aidonia and Tommy Lee Sparta.
“Soundcheck with Skeng was pure energy from start to finish,” said Samuels.“People got to see him in a way they never have before, and with Tommy Lee Sparta and Aidonia making appearances, the vibes were just on another level. It was really special to do this in the middle of Reggae Month and even more so during Dancehall Week.”
When headliner Skeng was announced to be coming on stage, the crowd immediately surged towards the front of the stage in hopes of getting a glimpse of the act. He wasted no time in setting the tone for the night, delivering his signature high-energy, exuberant performance. As expected, Skeng fully immersed himself in the moment, feeding off the wild energy of his fans.
Skeng brought out the first special guest act of the evening, dancehall star Aidonia. A genuine master of his art, Aidonia delivered an incredible set, fluidly transitioning from hit to hit and easily commanding the crowd with his presence.
Tommy Lee Sparta, soon after, made his dramatic entrance on stage, sending fans into a frenzy. His trademark dark, taunting delivery mixed with his comedic but commanding voice made for an unforgettable experience. With his voice echoing through the venue, he effortlessly engaged the audience, dropping his hit singles with the precision and confidence of a true entertainer.
Now, what is a live show without a live backing band? The renowned Dub Squad band, a team of expert musicians, provided the perfect backdrop for the live performances. The stripped-down live instrumentation elevated each set, showcasing the authenticity of dancehall’s raw sound and reinforcing the cultural significance of live-band performances in Jamaican music.
English (US) ·