By Attiyya Atkins
Miami’s Best of the Best music festival, the world’s largest Caribbean music event, made a triumphant return to Bayfront Park on May 25, 2025. After a two-year hiatus, the festival did not disappoint, bringing together over 12,000 music lovers from across the diaspora for a day filled with legendary performances, cultural pride, and pure Caribbean energy.
A Lineup for the Ages
This year’s festival featured an unforgettable lineup of icons who have shaped generations. Fans swayed to Beres Hammond’s timeless lover’s rock hits, danced to Wayne Wonder’s signature melodies, and jumped in full force to the raspy sounds of Buju Banton’s iconic catalog.
“It was a concert I will never forget,” said Ayende Anthony, 25, an Orlando resident of Guyanese and Jamaican descent. “It reminded me of my family, my heritage, my culture—it made me want to be more in touch and stay connected to that part of me.”
Other standout performances came from the reigning Empress of Reggae, Marcia Griffiths, alongside the likes of Romain Virgo, Nadine Sutherland, Chronic Law, and Soca sensation Skinny Fabulous.
While Jamaica was well represented, the festival made sure to highlight the entire Caribbean community, with shoutouts to Saint Lucia, the Virgin Islands, Haiti, the Bahamas, and beyond. More than just a concert, it was a celebration of unity.
“It’s so important that we bring the youth in and spread the culture.”
-Buju Banton
A Culture of Togetherness
“It’s so important that we bring the youth in and spread the culture,” said Buju Banton, addressing the packed audience. This sentiment echoed throughout the festival, creating a collective energy that felt soulful, vibrant, and deeply connected.
As the night reached its peak, attendees gathered for legendary mashups, with Wayne Wonder and Buju teaming up for “Forever Young,” Beres Hammond and Marcia Griffiths delivering timeless vibes, and Nadine Sutherland stealing the show with her presence. Fans also enjoyed Hammond’s touching performance of “Feels Good” alongside a young guest artist, proving that reggae’s legacy continues across generations.
The production was equally impressive—the lighting, set design, and DJ interludes kept the energy flowing. While the crowd remained lively until the final moments, logistical concerns like crowd density, walkways, and long food lines are areas for improvement in future festivals.
“The music was incredible,” shared Juliet Smith, a South Florida resident of Jamaican descent, “but the food lines were too long, and it got really crowded once the night came. There was no space to move.”
A Personal Reflection
As a ’90s baby from New York, this festival was personal. It was surreal watching the soundtrack of my childhood come to life. The energy was electric, the vibes pure, and the spirit of One Love filled the air. Dancing the Electric Slide with Marcia Griffiths, raising my fist to Beres Hammond’s “Putting Up Resistance,” and getting lost in Wayne Wonder’s smooth vocals—this festival wasn’t just an event, it was a journey through time.
With an international draw, Best of the Best Miami—sponsored by Grabba Leaf—once again reinforced its status as a cornerstone of Caribbean music and culture.
As the sun set over Biscayne Bay, one truth was undeniable: nostalgia isn’t just a feeling—it’s an experience, a connection, a joy that words alone can’t fully capture. Best of the Best Miami delivered a moment in time we won’t soon forget.
And that’s what I love most—the soul of it all, the unity. It truly was amazing.
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