Shenseea Pulls Out of Reggae Sumfest 2025 Over Band Dispute — Blame the Budget?

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Dancehall sensation Shenseea has officially withdrawn from Reggae Sumfest 2025, citing organisers' inability to cover the cost of her full live band, despite agreeing to her performance fee. The move has sent ripples across the industry — and many are pointing fingers at Vybz Kartel’s recently reported $1 million booking fee for sparking a domino effect.

“No Band, No Show” — Shenseea Explains Herself

In a TikTok Live, the Hit & Run artist broke her silence:

“I’m not performing at Sumfest. They couldn’t afford to bring down my band.”

The singer emphasized that she has performed without a band before, but refused to do so this time  not when she's built synergy with her live band over the past two years. “I wanted my band to come down to Jamaica… dem say ‘no,’ dem just cyah manage fi bring down everybody,” she told fans.

Budget Constraints or Industry Pressure?

While Sumfest organisers were reportedly able to meet Shenseea’s personal fee, the cost of flying in her entire band proved too steep. This comes shortly after the internet buzzed about Vybz Kartel’s massive price tag for the One Caribbean Music Festival in Trinidad — a deal that ultimately fell through.

Could this be the beginning of a new era in Jamaican entertainment economics? Some insiders believe Kartel’s valuation may cause others to adjust their own prices, putting pressure on promoters already operating on tight budgets.

Sumfest Rolls On Without Her

Despite Shenseea’s exit, the show goes on. Reggae Sumfest 2025 kicks off on July 13 and runs until July 19 in Montego Bay, with big-name acts still scheduled to perform.

  • Festival Night 1 (July 18): Vybz Kartel, Masicka, Skeng, Tommy Lee, and Govana.

  • Festival Night 2 (July 19): Toni Braxton, Tarrus Riley, Protoje, Lila Iké, I Wayne, and Pressure Busspipe.

Our Opinion

Shenseea’s decision to prioritize artistic integrity and her band  sends a strong message: quality matters. Fans often demand perfection, but rarely see the financial trade-offs behind the scenes. If Jamaica’s top talent is expected to deliver world-class performances, organisers must be willing to invest accordingly. This isn’t just about Shenseea  it’s about elevating the standard for live Caribbean entertainment.


LOCATION: MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA | JULY 14, 2025

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