Sat | Feb 28, 2026

Lost In Time weekend to deliver music, mission

Festival kicks off today; part proceeds to support rebuilding 1,600 homes

Published:Saturday | February 28, 2026 | 12:07 AM
Festival conceptualiser and day-one headliner Protoje (fourth right) poses with fellow performers (from left) Naomi Cowan, Jesse Royal, Tessanne Chin, Dahvid Slur, Yeza, Royal Blu, Joby Jay, and Iotosh at the media launch of the Lost In Time Festival earli
Nathaniel Stewart
Festival conceptualiser and day-one headliner Protoje (fourth right) poses with fellow performers (from left) Naomi Cowan, Jesse Royal, Tessanne Chin, Dahvid Slur, Yeza, Royal Blu, Joby Jay, and Iotosh at the media launch of the Lost In Time Festival earlier this month.

Lost In Time Festival is set to take over the lawns of Hope Botanical Gardens this weekend for its debut two-day festival. After a hiatus in 2025, reggae artiste Protoje shared at the festival’s media launch earlier this month that the move to a two-day format was designed to “make up for the fact that it didn’t happen last year”. With a strong line-up for both days, today will see Protoje lead the charge with performances by Lila Iké, Tanya Stephens, Mortimer, Tessanne Chin, Iotosh, and Joby Jay.

This year, however, the festival is about more than music. In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, which displaced thousands of Jamaicans and caused widespread destruction, particularly in the western parishes, the Lost In Time team is turning the spotlight on meaningful action.

The festival has officially launched the Lost In Time Foundation, a philanthropic arm dedicated to social impact, and partnered with the American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ) to raise funds for rebuilding efforts.

Part proceeds from the 2026 festival staging will go towards reconstructing approximately 1,600 homes for families affected by the hurricane, with a primary focus on St Elizabeth, one of the hardest-hit parishes. The cause is especially personal for Protoje, who hails from the parish and whose mother and several family members still reside there.

CLEAR INTENTION

“Lost In Time has always been about intention, about creating moments that live beyond the stage,” said LeAnn Ollivierre, festival director. “This year, however, the intention is clear to use our musical talent as a means for rebuilding, healing, and giving hope to those affected in our country.”

By collaborating with AFJ, the LIT Foundation aims to ensure that funds raised are channelled effectively and transparently to the families most in need. Patrons, supporters, and the wider diaspora are being called on to join a collective effort to help Jamaicans rebuild their lives, one home at a time.

Sunday will feature a headline performance by Chronixx, marking his return to a major Jamaican festival stage since his last advertised headline tour, the Chronology Tour, in December 2017. Other performers of the day includes Jesse Royal, Jah 9, Naomi Cowan, Dyani, Royal Blu, and Dahvid Slur.

entertainment@gleanerjm.com