Friday, May 22, 2026 At The Dune Room, 8PM
Jamaican artist Rik Jam will make his Coachella Valley debut at The Dune Room on Friday, May 22, 2026, and is bringing his Jamaican Bredren Dalwayne and Iotosh with him. Laying the foundation for the evening is Stronghold Reggae, the desert’s longest running Reggae alliance that includes DJ Journee and Dash Eye, both enduring pillars in the Reggae community.
Rik Jam, born Ronaldo Ricketts, is a Reggae luminary whose musical journey is rooted in the vibrant community of Fletcher’s Land, Kingston, Jamaica. Raised in this close-knit environment, Rik Jam spent the formative years of his childhood immersed in the rich cultural tapestry of his surroundings.
The trajectory of Rik Jam’s life took a significant turn after the passing of his mother, prompting a move to Stadium Gardens, where he currently resides with his father. This transition brought about challenges, but music emerged as a powerful source of solace, resilience, and self-expression.
Discovering his love for music at the age of eight, Rik Jam actively engaged in singing activities at the local church. The early seeds of his passion blossomed into a profound commitment to the arts during his teenage years.
At 15, while attending St. Andrew Technical High School, he made a pivotal decision to join the school choir, setting the stage for his musical odyssey.
Through various rehearsals and live performances, Rik Jam’s musical prowess became evident, and he soon recognized that music was not just a hobby but his life’s calling. His voice became a vessel for emotions, and he aimed to create music that transcended mere words, resonating deeply with his audience.
Setting himself apart in the early stages of his career, Rik Jam dedicated himself to sing clean, positive lyrics. He understood the transformative power of music, believing that it could keep individuals focused and imbue them with positive energy.
For Rik Jam, music is more than a vocation; it’s a gateway to happiness and a fundamental element for his proper functioning. His journey continues to unfold as he shares his authentic, uplifting sound with audiences worldwide, leaving an indelible mark on the Reggae landscape.
Dalwayne
Dalwayne is also a Jamaican Reggae and conscious singjay artist known for his hard-hitting lyrics and socially conscious themes. Born and raised in the hills of George Town, Western St. Mary, Jamaica, Dalwayne grew up surrounded by community sound systems, which nurtured his passion for writing and performing.
His most recent release is a remix of Deal Wid It, a single originally released in 2020. The song is as Rootsy Roots as you can get. Slower tempo with a one-drop rhythm. The deep basslines will motivate anyone to dance to the swaying beat…lookout Dune Room!
Iotosh
Iotosh Poyser is a young Jamaican record producer, recording artist, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist from Kingston, Jamaica. He is part of a new wave in Jamaican music that blends Reggae, Dancehall, Hip-Hop, R&B, and Rap, marking what some describe as the biggest shift in Jamaican music since the Reggae to Dancehall era.
Iotosh released The Message on 04/27/2026. The song features ZJ Sparks and Loud City. More Roots Reggae from the 3-time Grammy-nominated artist. The Message includes a horn line and that Rastafarian groove we’ve come to love from Iotosh. Dune Room will be on fire during his set!
Stronghold Reggae
Dash Eye: “Since the beginning of Stronghold Reggae, Journee and myself I’ve been doing our best to keep the vibes going! From the dance to live shows has been a great experience! It’s inspiring to hear and see people from out of town get excited about finding Reggae vibes in the Desert!”
DJ Journee: “I’m feeling really excited and grateful about this show. Bringing a modern Roots artist from Jamaica to the Desert is important because conscious Reggae music still has a powerful message that people need today — unity, culture, spirituality and social awareness. A lot of mainstream music has moved away from that kind of substance so it’s important for us to keep creating spaces where authentic Reggae can still be heard and felt.”
“There’s a deep appreciation for Roots culture here in the desert and events like this help keep that spirit alive for both long-time Reggae supporters and younger generations discovering conscious music for the first time.”
“Stronghold Reggae has never been about me as an individual. It’s about preserving the foundation while pushing the culture forward hopefully long after I’m gone.”
The return of Reggae to the desert has been a long time coming. The Dune Room is dedicated to continue to honor this distinct genre that carries messages of peace, social justice and spirituality. See everyone on Friday to welcome Rik Jam, Dalwayne and Iotosh!
