Ayetian to return to Reggae Sumfest stage with ‘Jampack’ momentum

Two years ago, Ayetian walked onto the Reggae Sumfest stage for his official debut, introducing himself to one of dancehall’s biggest audiences. Today, the artiste says that moment did more than add another performance to his résumé — it reshaped the way he sees his career.

“That performance gave me confidence and showed me what was possible,” Ayetian reflected. “Since then I’ve grown as an artiste, travelled more, worked with great people, and become much more confident in my craft.”

Now, with his Jampack Mixtape released just days before his return to the stage, Ayetian believes the timing couldn’t have been better.

“The timing worked out naturally, and I felt my fans had waited long enough. When you press play, I want you to feel something. It’s a project that’s going to take you through different emotions and remind you what real dancehall feels like.”

The title itself reflects the project’s ambition. According to Ayetian, Jampack is exactly what listeners can expect — a collection of sounds and energy designed to appeal to a wide audience. Asked to sum up the mixtape in just three words, he settled on authentic, energetic and timeless. 

“Authentic because it’s real dancehall, energetic because every track brings a different vibe, and timeless because I believe the music will last,” the Balance deejay said.

The project also represents where the artiste finds himself creatively. While it captures his current musical direction, Ayetian says it also signals what’s to come.

“It shows where I am today, but it also gives people a glimpse of where I’m heading creatively,” Ayetian explained. 

That evolution extends beyond the recording studio. Since his first appearance at the music festival, Ayetian has placed greater emphasis on refining his live performances, believing that every detail matters.

“I’ve been paying more attention to every detail — from crowd interaction to stage presence. I always want to give fans a memorable experience,” he said, while emphasising that fans returning to see him this year can therefore expect a noticeably “more mature, more confident and more complete Ayetian. 

“I’m coming with bigger energy and an even better performance,” he said confidently.

With dancehall producing new stars at a relentless pace, Ayetian credits consistency for helping him carve out his own space. “I stay true to myself and keep working. Consistency, authenticity and making music people can connect with have been the biggest keys,” Ayetian shared. Although he’s keeping quiet about which tracks from Jampack will make his Magnum Reggae Sumfest setlist, he hinted that audiences are in for a few surprises.

“There are a few, but I’ll keep that a surprise. I just know the fans are going to enjoy what’s coming.” 

For Ayetian, success at this year’s festival won’t simply be measured by applause in the moment, but by what people are saying long after the lights go down. 

“If people leave talking about the performance and wanting more Ayetian, then I’ve done my job.”

Beyond his performance, the artiste also welcomed Magnum’s initiatives to deepen fan engagement at the festival, including its studio activation and dance classes.

“Of course,” he said. “I’m always open to connecting with fans, learning, creating and being part of experiences that help grow the culture.

Magnum Brand Manager, Brandon Wallace, said the brand is especially encouraged by the progress Ayetian has made since first stepping onto the Reggae Sumfest stage.

“One of the most rewarding things for Magnum is seeing artistes continue to grow after being given a platform. Ayetian’s journey over the past year is a reminder that talent, when matched with consistency and hard work, can keep opening new doors. We’re looking forward to seeing him bring that growth to the Magnum Reggae Sumfest stage, and we certainly hope he’ll find some time to stop by our Magnum Endz to connect with fans and experience everything we have in store throughout the festival,” Wallace said.

This year’s Magnum Reggae Sumfest unfolds with its ‘Gaza x Gully’ edition, celebrating one of dancehall’s most defining eras and the enduring impact of two of the genre’s greatest lyricists. For the first time, the festival’s main event will also be staged over a single day in a different parish, at Plantation Cove, St Ann, where thousands of patrons are expected to gather for an unforgettable showcase of Jamaica’s biggest stars and rising talents, with Magnum championing the culture that continues to shape dancehall’s global influence.