The two-day reggae gathering will also direct proceeds toward hurricane relief efforts in Jamaica.
Reggae artist Protoje is bringing his Lost In Time Festival back to Kingston, Jamaica, expanding the event into a two-day gathering that reflects both the genre’s global reach and its deep local roots.
The festival will take place on Feb. 28 and March 1, 2026, at Hope Gardens, marking its third staging and its most ambitious edition yet. Protoje will headline the first night; Chronixx will close the second, in what organizers describe as his first live appearance since the release of his album Exile.
Conceived as more than a concert, Lost In Time has positioned itself as a cultural showcase — blending contemporary reggae with visual art, fashion, and food. Since its debut in 2023, the festival has sought to mirror Jamaica’s evolving musical identity while maintaining a strong sense of place.
“It feels special to be part of a reggae music festival in the capital of the birthplace of reggae,” Protoje said. “I’m honored to continue the tradition this year.”
This year’s lineup highlights a cross-section of established and emerging artists. Performers scheduled for the first night include Lila Iké, Tanya Stephens, Mortimer, Tessanne Chin, Yeza, Iotosh, and Joby Jay. The second night will feature Jesse Royal, Jah 9, Naomi Cowan, Royal Blu, Dyani, and Dahvid Slur.
LeAnn Ollivierre, a co-founder of the festival, described the event as “a love letter to Jamaican music, culture, and community,” adding that the aim is to create an experience that resonates beyond the performances themselves.
The festival’s previous staging drew more than 8,000 attendees and earned praise from international outlets, including Rolling Stone, which called it “a window into the present state and the future of reggae and dancehall.” Surprise appearances and cross-genre collaborations have become part of its identity, underscoring the porous boundaries between reggae, dancehall and other global sounds.
This year’s edition will also serve a charitable purpose. A portion of ticket proceeds will go toward Hurricane Melissa relief efforts, channeled through the Lost In Time Foundation in partnership with American Friends of Jamaica. Both founders, LeAnn Ollivierre and Protoje — whose given name is Oje Ollivierre — are from St. Elizabeth, one of the parishes heavily affected by the storm.
Inspired by Protoje’s years of touring on the international festival circuit, Lost In Time incorporates multiple stages, tightly scheduled programming and curated culinary and craft offerings. Organizers say the aim is to create an event that aligns Kingston with other global festival destinations while retaining a distinctly Jamaican sensibility.
The festival will precede Protoje’s spring tour of Europe and the United States in support of his forthcoming album, The Art of Acceptance.
