Valiant, Yung Bredda set for Campari Boulevard

The interactive Campari Boulevard on Carnival Sunday will return, April 12, with dancehall artiste Valiant and soca act Yung Bredda as headliners.

“Campari Boulevard serves as the ultimate Road March viewing experience. It’s free of cost for all people. Not only that, it represents that reggae, dancehall, and soca merger.

We’ll have Valiant, who’s probably the most streamed contemporary dancehall artiste, and he’s someone we’ve been working with since the top of 2026. We also have Yung Bredda representing from Trinidad & Tobago, who as you know last year, Greatest Bend Over, would’ve been the biggest single out of the soca genre,” Dominic Bell, communications manager for Campari told the Jamaica Observer.

Known for their commanding stage presence, the two are expected to transform Campari Boulevard into a playground, the kind of energy that defines the very essence of Carnival.

Over the past three years, the Campari Boulevard experience has evolved beyond just a road activation and has become a cultural hotspot and a must-stop destination for spectators expecting the ultimate road march viewing experience, blending music, lifestyle, and high-energy celebration into one unforgettable moment on the road.

Outside of the national parade, Campari will be present in several communities across the island as they celebrate their own carnivals.

“Campari sees itself as a stakeholder in wider Jamaican culture. So, not only are we doing Carnival in Jamaica on the road with Xodus, we’re also expanding to that of community carnival. This is the first year where Campari, along with J Wray & Nephew — another brand within our portfolio — will be on board for Negril Carnival on Norman Manley Boulevard in Negril.

Ding Dong will be the headliner. After, we’re going to be doing Jungle Carnival in Arnett Gardens, and we’ll also be doing community carnivals in St Elizabeth and Linstead throughout the season,” Bell revealed.

Carnival in Jamaica 2025 delivered a massive economic boost, generating an estimated $165.7 billion, a 48 per cent increase from 2024, highlighting its massive impact on tourism, entertainment, and small businesses.

The event saw a surge in visitor arrivals, filling hotels and Airbnbs across the Corporate Area.

The season supports thousands of jobs and showcases Jamaica as a premier cultural destination.

Bell further said the community events will show the country’s culture in a more expansive light.

“We’re not only focusing on Kingston. We’re showcasing that Jamaica has a wider Carnival culture that encompasses all these communities, as well,” he said.

As the countdown begins for Carnival Road March on April 12 in Kingston, one thing is already certain: The energy will be unmatched.

With an electrifying line-up of events with local and international talent, and a premium on-the-road experience, Xodus is setting the tone for what promises to be one of the most unforgettable Carnival seasons yet.

Taylor Chung, senior relationship officer, Xodus Carnival, says Xodus kicks off earlier than usual this year with the return of the Xodus Wet Music Festival on Monday, April 6.

“The Wet Music Festival is our newest event. We had our first staging last year and it was such a hit we had to bring it back,” Chung stated.

“In terms of talent, the line-up is top tier. We have a mix of local and international DJs. So representing locally, we have DJ Rico, Fatalic, and we have Zess.

Internationally coming out of Trinidad, we have Papi Jae, Tegarooks, and Travis World representing. From Miami, we have Sinistar and Tony X. And, then for an amazing performance from the Trinidadian soca artiste Voice; you just can’t miss this.”

The excitement continues on Wednesday, April 8 with Fete Gala, a sophisticated yet high-energy event featuring international DJs from across the Caribbean and diaspora, including Selector Kerry, Major Penny, Lerbz, and Jus Jay King, alongside returning favourites Sinistar and Tony X.

“On Thursday, we have the Big Bad Tailgate event. So pull up with your coolers, with your grills, come prepared to have fun, jump on some of the rides and play some games,” Chung excitedly said.

“We will still be having entertainment by Joshua Lucas out of Toronto, Lerbz is also back again for this one alongside Zess, Major Penny, Tony X, Travis World, Fatalic, Selector Kerry and Jus Jay. We also have Quest and Lance from Antigua. So all the islands representing for this one.”

By Saturday, the anticipation will reach its peak with Xodus Remedy.

When Carnival Sunday hits, Xodus takes the celebration to the streets.

— Kediesha Perry contributed to this report.

Xodus Director Scott Dunn and Taylor Chung, senior relationship officer, Xodus(Photo: Karl Mclarty)

BELL… Campari sees itself as a stakeholder in wider Jamaican culture .

Valiant (Photo: Ashb Media)