Ask a Local: Reggae Singer Lila Iké's Kingston Itinerary

17.08.2024 - 10:01 / cntraveler.com

This is part of Global Sounds, a collection of stories spotlighting the music trends forging connections in 2024.

Saturdays are best spent at Bob Marley Beach, Lila Iké says. “It's an escape from the hustle and bustle of Kingston, but at the same time, everyone hangs out there,” she says. “There's a Rastafarian family who's always making food, and they have this major sound system playing music.” Raised in a rural Jamaican town, Iké has since made the capital her home, performing across its storied music venues and laying down tracks in studio spaces like Camp Habitat in the Blue Mountains; her debut album will feature collaborations with H.E.R. as well as established Jamaican reggae artists. Below, her tips for Kingston: where to snag records, grab lunch, and catch the city's best emerging acts.

Plus, listen to our Women Who Travel conversation with Iké:

Jason Panton, who owns Dubwise Jamaica, which throws reggae sound system events, recently opened Dubwise Cafe in the heart of the city. On any given night, there will be a DJ, live musical performances, or album launches. “It's a really vibrant space that's honing the talents of young reggae artists and dancers,” Iké says.

The Jamaican singer Lila Iké

A beet and kale salad at Kamila’s Kitchen

Iké suggests Kamila's Kitchen on Reggae Mountain, a restaurant with great views that serves a rotating menu of fresh dishes, like grain bowls topped with barbecued jackfruit and loaded nachos with walnut meat. Iké says: “Whether you like vegan food or not, trust me, it will deliver.” There are live events with local reggae artists on the spot's Skyline Levels stage, usually every Friday.

Inside Rockers International Records

“Rockers International Records in downtown Kingston is a good space for listening to records,” Iké says. Located on Orange Street (also known as Beat Street) and lined with vinyl and vintage posters, it's one of the oldest—and last remaining—record shops in Jamaica. But a new generation is following in its footsteps: “A friend of mine, Rohan Scott, opened this cool record and streetwear store in May inside the Dubwise Cafe.”

Family-run surf school Jamnesia Surf Camp is also a legendary place for live music—with a history of supporting young musicians. “Anybody is welcome to hop on the mic,” says Iké “It was a special place for me when I was just starting out because it taught me how to perform with a very intelligent and experienced [in-house] band. It’s been around for a while, so names like Protoje, Chronixx, and Jah9, the generation of reggae artists that came up before mine, have all performed there.”

This article appeared in the September/October 2024 issue of Condé Nast Traveler. Subscribe to the magazine here.