A slice of Jamaica is coming to Williamstown’s Seaworks on Saturday December 7 as the Jamaican Music and Food Festival brings reggae legends, street food and Jamaican culture to town.
What better way to kick off the summer than with the flavours and sounds of Jamaica? The Jamaican Music and Food Festival will be transforming Williamstown’s Seaworks Maritime Precinct into a Jamaican haven of food, drink, music, art and culture on Saturday December 7, and you’re invited.
Returning for another year of grooves and good vibes, the Jamaican Music and Food Festival will boast an array of reggae legends and rising stars, both from our domestic music scenes and from around the world. An afternoon of unmissable art and culture, you don’t need to travel far to discover Melbourne’s very own slice of the Caribbean, right here in Williamstown.
The Jamaican Music and Food Festival
- Saturday December 7
- Seaworks Maritime Precinct, Williamstown
- Tickets here
Keep up with the latest music news, features, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
Taste culture on your tongue
As one half of the festival’s name, you can bet on there being no shortage of incredible Jamaican food filling the day’s events. With over 20 food vendors providing the goods over the course of the day, Jamaican’s rich food culture of tradition and innovation will be on wide display.
Caribbean catering icon Boss Man Foods is a food haven of your most mouth-wateringly wildest dreams to keep an eye out for on the day. Serving up the fresh tastes of Jamaica at its Jerk Centre food truck, you can expect to taste the best Jerk Chicken you’ve ever had this side of the equator.
There’ll also be the red-hot Jamaican Music and Food Festival Bar, serving ice-cold drinks alongside red-hot views. Sip on a refreshing cocktail or a local beer as you gaze out over the city skyline, awing at the sun as it grazes the surface of Hobsons Bay.
A party for kids of all ages
The whole family is invited to this cultural celebration of food and music. A dedicated children’s area will feature face-painting, a magic show and live interactive African drumming from African Star Drumming and Dance – perfect for both big kids and little ones.
Four stages, one day
You’re spoilt for choice with a selection of four stages curating eight hours of infectious music. Just as rich and diverse as Jamaican culture is, you’ll discover a variety of sounds, artists and genres across the festival’s areas. Expect everything from reggae to dancehall, ska to roots, as well as a hell of a lot of dub.
The four stages include the headliner Yard Stage, the bumping Housewife’s Choice stage, the hip-twisting I Love Dancehall stage, and the bopping Heartical Hi-Powa stage.
To find out what reggae icons and Jamaican nationals are heading down under for the festival, read on.
Anthony B (JA)
Prolific Jamaican DJ Anthony B will be no stranger to fans of Caribbean music. This legend knows not just how to curate a beat and bring whatever audience is in front of him along for the ride, but his political slant and deep faith shines through his music to create an atmosphere of love and connectivity.
DJ Banna (JA)
Famous for being one of the most stylish operators on 1s and 2s, DJ Banna is hitting Melbourne’s shores for what will be one of the most anticipated sets of the festival. If you don’t already know him from Jamaica’s dancehall and reggae circuit, you definitely will after this.
Flames Eye (JA)
Rising star Flames Eye is rising so fast you’re best to catch him play before he shoots right past. This reggae dancehall extraordinaire is making the journey from Jamaica to give Aussies and festival goers a masterclass in great music. With a style as unique as it is innovative, let the music do the talking as Flames Eyes steers the dancefloor confessionals.
Fitzroy Lee (JA)
From radio waves to stage sound waves, Fitzroy Lee knows how to traverse between sonic universes. A master of all things reggae, you’re going to want to be taking notes when this legend hits the festival stage.
Also joining the lineup for JMFF:
- Double 00 (USA)
- Adrians Wall
- Anitra
- Bellyas
- Dub Koala
- Dub Dahlia
- Miss Fee
- Mohair Slim
- King Ru
- Queen Big Punch (NZ)
- Rudi Sound
- Stryka d at the Controls
- Nadine Rub A Dub
- General Purpose
- Man Run Riddim
- Dub Provider
- Loard Vadher
- Jack Attack
- Deco ZYMM (WA)
- Jc Crooks (NSW)
- Kase
- Outsider
- Daphne
- DJ Sepia
- Quashani Bahd
- Rick Howe
- DJ Dazz
- Sista Sara
- Ras Jahknow Band (live)
- Kong and The Dudley Flats Rockers (live)
- Skabhangers (live)
- Paulo Almedia (live)
- Shabba African Star Dance (live)
- Drumming (live)
- Plus more
You can get tickets to Jamaican Music and Food Festival on Saturday December 7 here.
This article was made in partnership with Jamaican Music and Food Festival.
