The annual Dream Weekend by Dream Entertainment with the theme: “Live Your Dream” was held in the picturesque coastal enclave of Negril, Jamaica.
Across five electrifying days with eight unforgettable parties, this celebration of music, dance, and performance was a resounding tribute to the enduring power of Jamaican entertainment.
The 2023 staging was was marked by nostalgic anthems and some breath-taking modern spectacles from Skeng whose command presence as the main act took evening. The stage was already set for his band burning set with an ensemble of Djs including Noah Powa, Polish, Ricky Platinum, Young Chow, English Fire, and DJ Nate warming up the crowd.
After missing what was to be his debut Dream Weekend performance last year, Skeng’s maintained a high energy throughout his set, delivering iTunes chart topping hits like “Likkle Miss” while incorporating dancehall rockstar stunts reminiscent of the legendary guitarist Jimmy Hendrix.
Day 2 had the double feature of DayDreams and Yush, the 90s-themed event. DayDreams was a masterclass in musical time travel. Noah Powa and Polish held the heels of steel dropping dancehall hits after hits. Chromatic maintained the fervor with contemporary hip-hop and dancehall anthems. The inclusion of UK talent, Mr. Play, wove an international thread into the musical tapestry, thrilling the crowd with a blend of grime and UK favourites.
Shenseea’s heartfelt homecoming performance resonated deeply, blending hits with poignant reflections on her journey from being a waiter girl at the same event to a headline performer.
The RIAA certified Gold selling artist commented on Instagram after the show, “This was so emotional for me because I remember when I was a bottle girl serving the patrons at this specific event busting my ass to get as much tips as I could to feed myself and my kid. God has really brought me a long way and i’m so grateful for the support from my team and shenyengz. My journey has been a long one and I have much further to go. From a bottle girl to getting booked to perform! @dreamwknd … Follow your dreams, no matter what!”
At World Vibes, an elegant all-black event Chronic Law’s commanding presence was the highlight, DJ Banka and Dj Poppi’s genre-spanning set followed suit, captivating the crowd with a musical journey that traversed genres seamlessly. Not to be outdone, Tony Matterhorn closed the night with his signature hold nothing back charisma.
As the Negril sun set on day 4 , the vibrant Island Beat event, a rep-your-flag soirée, unfolded with an enticing line-up including Ding Dong, Roze Don, and UK dancehall artist Stefflon Don. The latter, with her sex appeal command of the stage, led a captivating performance that included hits like “Hurtin Me” and “16 Shots.”
Overall Dream Weekend 2023, proved the music of the 90s and early 2000s still wields unparalleled influence over party goers. Amidst newer tunes, it was the classics that evoked highest emotions. Skeng and Valiant stand out as beacons of this era.
With the echoes of this unforgettable weekend still resonating, anticipation grows for what Dream Weekend will unveil in its next chapter of entertainment innovation.
