Downtown Miami turned into a sea of flags, beats, and high-energy vibes on Sunday as Best of the Best returned in full force — and it was every bit the Caribbean celebration fans had hoped for after a two-year pause. With legends like Buju Banton and Beres Hammond on stage and thousands in the crowd waving flags, it wasn’t just a music festival — it was a cultural homecoming.
All Eyes on Buju Banton’s Return
Buju Banton, one of the most electrifying and controversial figures in dancehall history, took center stage as the festival’s grand finale — and fans couldn’t get enough. The Grammy winner, who made headlines after returning to music post-incarceration, reminded the crowd why he remains an icon. From Untold Stories to Hills and Valleys, Buju gave a powerhouse performance that had fans waving phones and fists high into the night.
In a surprise moment mid-set, Buju invited Wayne Wonder back onstage for an emotional rendition of Forever Young, followed by I Don’t Know Why. As if that wasn’t enough, Nadine Sutherland joined him for nostalgic duets including Anything for You and Wicked Dickie, bringing a wave of 90s dancehall gold that had fans losing it.
Beres Hammond Brings Romance and Nostalgia
Before Buju’s explosive finale, it was Beres Hammond — Jamaica’s undisputed king of lover’s rock — who had hearts melting. At 69, Hammond proved that age hasn’t dulled his charisma. With a live band and five backup singers in tow, he delivered soulful hits and flirty stage moves that bridged generations of reggae lovers. For many in the crowd, including Florida fans Michelle Francis and Janet McClure, this was the performance of the night.
“Beres still got it,” said McClure. “I felt like I was 20 again.”
Star Power Across the Caribbean
The night wasn’t just about Jamaica. Soca fans got their Carnival fix when Skinny Fabulous brought wild energy, with flags from Grenada, Trinidad, and Barbados flying proudly in the air. The vibe? Irresistibly electric.
Meanwhile, Marcia Griffiths — reggae royalty and the queen of lover’s rock — brought grace and power to the stage. Her timeless hits blended perfectly with newer voices like Romain Virgo, while Wayne Wonder’s Jah Lift Me Up and Saddest Day of My Life drew nostalgic cheers.
The Scene: Music, Food, and Cultural Pride
Beyond the stage, Bayfront Park felt like a pan-Caribbean block party. Long lines snaked through the grounds for jerk chicken and island fare, and everywhere you looked, flags fluttered and fans danced in unison.
“It’s about music, but also about culture,” said Charmaine Smith, who came out to celebrate her birthday with friends. “We’re connecting, representing — this is what we’ve missed.”
With a crowd estimated at 12,000, Best of the Best 2025 wasn’t just a concert — it was a reunion of music, memory, and identity. And with Buju Banton leading the charge, one message rang loud and clear: Caribbean music is here to stay, and it’s stronger than ever.
READ MORE:
