As thousands of patrons prepare to descend on Montego Bay for Dream Wknd, few performers arrive with the kind of anticipation that surrounds Dexta Daps.

Over the past decade the dancehall star has built one of the genre’s most devoted followings by staying true to the soulful, emotionally driven sound that first set him apart.

“Staying true to the vibe that started my career and keeping the music honest and relatable,” he says when asked about the secret to his longevity. “I evolve with the production sounds, but I don’t chase trends; solid melodies, real emotion, and a performance that connects with the audience is always the goal.”