CELEBRATING JAMAICA
While Jamaican reggae artists have long been featured at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, a dedicated tribute to the island arrives with CELEBRATING JAMAICA, presented at the Sandals Resorts Jamaica Cultural Exchange Pavilion from April 23 to May 3, 2026.
Headlined by Ziggy and Stephen Marley, the Jazz Fest lineup highlights the evolution of Jamaican reggae across generations—from the classic, conscious 1970s sound embodied by Lutan Fyah to the “reggae revival” movement led by Protoje and Jesse Royal. In a genre long dominated by male artists, a new generation of women—including 2026 Grammy nominee Lila Iké, Original Koffee, and Sevana—are reshaping the sound and perspective of Jamaican reggae.
For a taste of Kingston’s dancehall culture, Sean Paul brings his rapid-fire delivery and high-energy stage presence, while Seani B leads DJ sessions with guest vocalists Laa Lee and NESTA, reflecting the collaborative spirit of Jamaica’s sound system tradition. Beyond reggae and dancehall, other Jamaican sounds are honored by The Skatalites (the originators of ska), the Showjam Mento Band, gospel singer Kevin Downswell, and jazz pianist Monty Alexander. Presenting this centuries-old Afro-Jamaican street tradition outside Jamaica for the first time, the masked troupe of Kaya Jonkunnu will animate the Festival’s parade route with mischievous characters dancing to the sound of fife and drums.
Inside the Cultural Exchange Artist Demonstration Tent, artists from across the island—including those from communities impacted by Hurricane Melissa in 2025—will showcase their craft. Featured artists include signmakers “Nurse” and “Bug”, First Straw basket weavers Sheldon Daley and Lavern Evans, textile artist Kokab Zohoori-Dossa, ceramic artist Dana Baugh, Afrofuturist muralist Taj Francis, and multimedia artist Matthew McCarthy.
Adjacent to the Pavilion, the Cultural Exchange Food Booth and Afrodisiac NOLA bring the Jamaican experience to the plate with slow-braised oxtail, rice and peas, jerk-spiced mushrooms, and crisp escovitch fish. Topped off by the signature One Love Punch crafted with Appleton Estate Signature Rum, the Cultural Exchange Village offers Jamaican rhythms, textures, and flavors that engage the senses at every turn.
