Merging nostalgia with new vibes in the Magnum Tonic Wine's exclusive set at Sumfest featured performances from Voicemail, Ding Dong and More
Voicemail’s Qraig shows the audience he has not forgotten the Wacky Dip moves during the Magnum set
One of the standout moments of Reggae Sumfest's first night was Magnum Tonic Wine's 25th anniversary celebration. This exhilarating showcase was part of the festival's 'Dancehall Night,' offering attendees a dynamic mix of nostalgic performances and fresh new acts. Patrons enjoyed a high-energy display that celebrated both the rich history and the exciting future of dancehall music.
Selectors DJ Scrappy and DJ Dell captivated the audience with a carefully curated collection of music and artists that embody the essence of dancehall. The energetic dancehall group Voicemail, featuring members Craig Jackson and Kevin Blair, took charge of the anniversary kick-off display. Backstage, they shared that this moment was especially meaningful as they, too, are celebrating 25 years in the dancehall industry.
Ding Dong’s showcase of modern movements of dancehall culture
"It is very appropriate that we are here. We started on the same journey basically… on July 5, 1999… they [Magnum] came into dancehall to try and represent themselves and we are doing the same thing, still with the people. The crowd loved us and wanted to see more. Big up all the dancers who also brought the energy for the patrons,” said Blair.
“Magnum Tonic Wine is the drink of dancehall. It matches the vibrancy, the feeling, the energy, it’s all Magnum. They recognized that once you support dancehall, dancehall will support you. The brand supports the small people and businesses that make up the industry and they, in turn, show for the brand,” Jackson declared.
Voicemail was on the stage with a 30-plus strong cadre of dancers showcasing all the legendary moves such as Out N’ Bad, Wacky Dip, Weddi Weddi among others, which challenged the crowd of dancehall lovers to go back in time and revel in the classic dancing dancehall era.
The ladies displayed coordinated dance moves, even on bikes, and did the 'Unch It' when Roze Don performed. The energy soared as Ding Dong, the dancing king, lit up the venue with his Ravers crew and bunch of his hits like 'Genna Bounce', 'Stir Fry', 'Bounce', 'Zip It Up', and mega-hits 'Holiday' and 'Watch Dem'. He took the audience to spread the vibes.
The Magnum segment featured familiar entertainment spectacles like flagmen, torches, smoke, pyrotechnics, and stunts. “Our team wanted to create an unforgettable night of celebration and dancehall culture as we launch our 25th Anniversary,” said Pavel Smith, Marketing Manager of Magnum Tonic Wine. He added, “Magnum is celebrated for championing dancehall and resonating with a diverse audience, and 'Dancehall Night' at Reggae Sumfest was the perfect place to launch our celebration in Jamaica.”
Magnum Tonic Wine has consistently created unique spaces to support dancehall. “We are proud to have curated events like Magnum Kings and Queens, Magnum Xplosion, and Magnum Top Performa, as well as creating the Magnum Hub TV platform to champion dancehall culture,” Smith elaborated. “This is just the start, Jamaica. Here’s to many more years of dancehall greatness.”
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