History was made on Friday, March 28th, as the World A Vibes Music Festival took over UBS Arena in Long Island, setting the stage for a night that will go down as a cultural milestone for Dancehall and Caribbean music. The inaugural event pulled thousands of fans into an electric atmosphere, blending high-energy performances, bold fashion statements, and an undeniable celebration of Dancehall’s global impact. With NYC’s finest selectors leading the charge—Massive B’s Jabba, Platinum Kids’ Markus Wanted, Irie Jam’s DJ Roy, and International Starr—the festival delivered a seamless fusion of authentic street energy and big-stage production. Here’s how the night unfolded, moment by moment.
KKrytical Opens With “Loyalty” And Pure Emotion
The night kicked off with rising star KKrytical, who set the tone with an emotionally charged performance of “LOYALTY”. Dressed in a bold plaid coat over a sleek black ensemble, accessorized with Louis Vuitton shades and gold jewelry, KKrytical exuded confidence as he delivered his heartfelt lyrics. His performance captured the audience’s attention from the jump, proving that he’s a force to watch in the evolving Dancehall scene.
Kraff Brings The Fire With High-Energy Anthems
Riding the momentum, Kraff stormed the stage with a medley of hard-hitting tracks that had the crowd on their feet. Known for his gritty lyrics and commanding presence, he delivered fan favorites like “IKATION,” “SINNA,” and the dancefloor-favorite “100 WATT”. With a mix of raw street energy and hypnotic beats, Kraff’s set showcased why he’s one of the fastest-rising voices in Dancehall today.
Valiant Elevates With Style, Choreography & Stage Presence
Next up, Valiant brought a high-fashion-meets-high-energy performance to the stage, stepping out in a midnight Rodeo Storm denim outfit paired with his signature white undershirt. Backed by a team of expertly choreographed dancers, he delivered standout performances of “DOWN” and “LOYAL GYALS”, proving that Dancehall is a full sensory experience.
Chronic Law Balances Grit And Melody
Bringing a gritty yet melodic contrast to the high-energy lineup, Chronic Law took the stage in a clean white suit with soft pink accents, paired with matching Air Force 1s. With his signature introspective and hard-hitting lyrics, he commanded attention with a tight selection of hits, including “STILL A BLEED,” “WEEKEND (BUP BUP),” and “SALT GYAL.” His performance cut through the noise, offering a moment of reflection in an otherwise high-intensity lineup.
Skeng Delivers a Cinematic Entrance And A Surprise Collab
The festival took a theatrical turn as Skeng made a jaw-dropping entrance. In doing so, he wheeled out in a covered cage under eerie red lights, unveiled by a real-life, curvy “Bride of Chucky” figure. Dressed in full Chucky-inspired gear, he burst onto the stage to deafening screams, immediately kicking off his set with “Sha La La.” Skeng’s high-octane energy, signature water-bottle splashes, and relentless delivery kept the crowd locked in, peaking when he unexpectedly brought out Dancehall veteran Demarco for a legendary onstage link-up.
Spice Reigns Supreme With A Powerful Performance
As expected, the Queen of Dancehall, Spice, delivered an electrifying set that blended sensuality, empowerment, and pure star power. Backed by pole dancers and dramatic stage props, she performed crowd favorites like “So Mi Like It” and her bold new anthem “Hell No”. In true Spice fashion, she turned the stage into an interactive experience, pulling women from the crowd for a dance segment that had the entire arena screaming in excitement. It was a royal performance—raw, commanding, and unapologetically Caribbean.
Dexta Daps Closes With Sultry Vibes & An Acoustic Surprise
Closing the night with pure charisma and showmanship, Dexta Daps took the stage in a diamond-studded three-piece suit, setting the tone for a smooth yet fiery performance. Opening with his emotional classic “MISS YOU”, he immediately captivated the crowd with his soulful delivery. At one point, he threw his jacket into the audience, sparking a frenzy among fans. With a mix of seductive vocals and slow-burning Dancehall rhythms, his set brought passion and intensity to the festival’s grand finale. Adding to the moment, Dexta surprised the audience by bringing out Grammy-nominated musician and producer Dre Teags, transforming the arena into an intimate, acoustic performance space. It was the perfect close to a night filled with unforgettable performances.
A Special Tribute To DJ Roy: A Generational Icon
One of the night’s most touching moments came with a special tribute to DJ Roy, a pivotal figure behind World A Vibes Music Fest. Honored by his son, grandson, and event promoter Intl Starr, DJ Roy was celebrated for his impact on Caribbean radio and music culture. Receiving an achievement award, his contribution to Dancehall’s global expansion was rightfully recognized, adding an emotional depth to the festival’s success.
Welcome To World A Vibes Music Festival
Nonetheless, World A Vibes Music Festival is a movement, not just a moment. The inaugural staging of World A Vibes Music Festival wasn’t just a night of incredible performances—it was a statement. A declaration that Dancehall and Caribbean music deserve their rightful place on the world’s biggest stages. With seamless production, star-studded performances, and an electrifying audience, the festival proved that this was just the beginning of something monumental. Long Island felt the pulse of Dancehall, and the world is officially watching. Don’t believe it? Press play on the recaps here on Instagram and TikTok. Lastly, let us know your thoughts in the comments here at Rolling Hype!
