A Day of Diaspora Celebration—But Not Without Its Storm Clouds
City Splash 2025 returned to Brockwell Park with grand attendance, spells of sun, intermittent rain, and a powerful celebration of Caribbean and African music, food, and heritage. While the event lived up to its reputation as the “Home of Culture”, this year’s experience drew a mixed response—thanks largely to Popcaan’s heavily criticized headlining set.
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The Highs: Performances, Vibes & Celebrity appearance
Valiant, Spice, Tarrus Riley, DJ Nate, Sir DJ Corey, Seani B and DJ Larni received strong praise online for their energy and crowd engagement. From roots reggae to dancehall, each tent delivered something unique. Valiant whom is promoting his ‘Prove Them Wrong’ EP made his statement. Tarrus Riley had the crowd singing in the rain and it was a great vibe with his back to back serenading of ladies in his little clash versus saxophone player/singer Dean Fraser.
The likes of actors Aml Ameen, Michael Ward, famous tiktokers, D Double E, Moliy, Winford Williams (Onstage Tv) and more.
@KMoreOfficial: “DJ Nate set was 10/10 at City Splash! Tempo, song selection, hosting, guest performances. Top tier.”
@MikezAFC_: “The tent that DJ Larni’s set was in at City Splash was peakkk.”
@Magician1Of1st: “D Double E touch City Splash. Yeah only right — at least people had a good time.”
The weather was uncertain as were some of the performances,
@neeroseex: “Clearly had a good time at City Splash — lost my nose stud.”
@MissSocaCandy: “Splash in di City!” (With outfit snaps and all”)
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The Lows: Popcaan Backlash & Set Management
The biggest source of disappointment? Popcaan arriving nearly an hour late, then reportedly delivering a lacklustre set—leaving many fans frustrated and others walking out before he touched the mic.
@miss_smyle: “Glad I left before the time Popcaan was meant to be on.”
@SimmySimzx: “City Splash was very mid this year. The majority of acts felt rushed and Popcaan was bare late.”
@ARD28X: “Between Mavado cancelling and Popcaan being late, I don’t know how much more of this I can take.”
@thatguyBIGROB: “They turned off the lights on Popcaan at City Splash!”
@EllsyEll: “Popcaan coming on an hour late is very on brand.”
Some noted poor scheduling, rushed transitions, and a lack of stage presence from certain artists. One post even questioned whether the sign language interpreters were “signing in patwa.”
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Public Reaction: Split Between Love and Letdown
The internet painted a complicated picture. For many, it was a beautiful, joyful celebration. For others, the headliner mishap and stage management hiccups meant 2025 didn’t quite reach the highs of previous years.
@SimmySimzx: “City Splash was mid this year.”
@AJ: “That was my last City Splash, too dead.”
@Dejaune_trill: “Warehouse Worship, Recessland and City Splash back-to-back — I’m ready to rest.”
@RiaRozayyy: “Hearing City Splash from my window and I live 1 mile away? I’m content.”
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Final Verdict:
City Splash 2025 delivered a vibrant day of cultural pride and connection, but the Popcaan controversy cast a noticeable shadow. For fans, it was still a reminder of the power of Caribbean music and community—but the festival will need to tighten artist logistics and elevate headliner quality in 2026 to stay at the top.
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RATING: 7.5/10 – Cultural warmth, musical highs, but marred by timing issues and performance letdowns.
City Splash 2025: Culture Came Out, But So Did the Clouds
By: WORLMAG Culture Desk
Images by: Bampson, Epik Jones, WorlMag.
