Blazing Wickie Wackie Music Festival in Bull Bay
Published:Tuesday | February 17, 2026 | 12:08 AMYasmine Peru/Senior Gleaner Writer
Three days of roots, rocking reggae music right on the beach; craft and food vendors aplenty; campers adding that touch of freedom; patrons feasting on the musical selections and live performances; and the energy from a huge bonfire all contributed to a blazing Wickie Wackie Music Festival at 8 Mile Bull Bay on the weekend.
“It was a wonderful, wonderful Wickie Wackie ... I’m tired but happy,” organiser Kumar Bent told The Gleaner.
Now in its third year, the event has already grown from two nights in 2024 and 2025 to three nights in 2026, and Bent was also pleased that this year, there were 45 campers, up from last year’s introductory figure of 25.
“The team ... we did a good job. The festival had a good family vibes. I would like to provide some more amenities for campers. It’s an undertaking, and we are still getting used to camping here in Jamaica, but I believe that with a little more sponsorship, we can get there,” Bent said.
The idea for a big show on the beach actually germinated from 2011 when Bent, then a part of the Raging Fyah Band, would play at Wickie Wackie once per month for free.
“We never had a platform, so we used the beach. And, now, years later, we are trying to do it as a festival festival. And we couldn’t do it without the help of the Government .. big up Gillian from the ministry and Minister Grange who see the vision,” a grateful Bent said.
Bent, who was also one of the performers, revealed that Saturday night was the biggest turnout since the event’s inception. And he disclosed that it was an event that almost didn’t happen.
“Third World Band is a major part of my life, and losing Cat Coore ... I almost cancelled the show. For the last four years of my life I am with Cat every day. I haven’t even had time to grieve. We just had to gather wi head space and mek di event happen. Third World still decided to come and play, for which I am very, very grateful,” Bent said.
Third World’s performance was one of the centrepieces of the festival, and the band reassured fans that although the genius and charm of Cat Coore was greatly missed, the band is here to stay. For many longtime fans, the comments were that “dem sound like di original Third World” as they gave songs such as Now That We Found Love, Forbidden Love, ( 1865) 96 Degrees in the Shade, Try Jah Love, Always Around, and Reggae Ambassadors. A huge bonfire was lit in honour of Cat Coore, and there were also moments of silence in tribute to him.
In excellent form on Saturday night, too, was legendary roots reggae group The Abyssinians, who took over the stage at 11:17 p.m.. Known for their distinctive harmonies and rich vocal quality, the Abyssinians stayed true to their convictions and delivered the songs that have become the soundtrack for generations. Anthems such as Declaration of Rights and Satta Massagana were received in the spirit in which they were given, and other catalogue hits such as Let My Days Be Long, Forward Unto Zion, African Race, Abendigo, and Meditation sealed the deal.
Founder Donald Manning is still the leader, and there are some new members, but through “hard work and consistent practice”, they have managed to keep that Abyssinians sound, which has ensured them work all year long, especially in North America and Europe.
“We tried to learn the Amharic language and sing as much as we can in Amharic, and that has also made Abyssinians different and special.” Manning told The Gleaner.
Among the early performers was British-Jamaican singer, JC Lodge, one of the pioneering female voices in reggae music. Not seen enough on the local stage, June Carol Lodge reminded patrons on Valentine’s Day that Someone Loves You, Honey, and also of the excitement of having a Telephone Love.
Reggae Month Ambassador Etana, entered centrestage at 2:20 a.m. and reeled off her hit tunes. Wrong Address, Roots, Jah Jah Blessing, and I Am not Afraid, from her own catalogue, were interspersed with Love and Hate, Revolution, and No, No, No, “in tribute to the greats”.
Singer, Billy Mystic, came with a message and he delivered it with his usual conviction, stamping his class on the Wickie Wackie Music Festival stage.
Closing act was Turbulence, and declaring that it’s “di girl dem Bobo at di controls”, he gave a great set. He had a list of things to bun out and that included rapists, paedophiles, and St Valentine. But since the Rastaman celebrates love every day, he locked in the love theme with We Got the Love, Front Line, Ex-Girlfriend, and Name and Number.
Exterminator and then RoryStoneLove played the music that kept patrons happy and even made them “want to go out again”. Rory was in top form, and when it was announced that Stephen Marley was in zbeat, he whisked out a Stephen Marley dub plate and continued to “nice up di beach”.