When 22-year-old Antonio Bolaños answered his phone at work on Wednesday, July 16, he had no idea it would be the call that brought him closer to his favourite dancehall artiste.
“I had to hold my composure because the place was so quiet,” he said giddily as he recalled the memory. “I just kept it calm and said, ‘Oh shoot, that’s crazy.’”
That call was from Pepsi Cola Jamaica, letting him know that he was the first official winner in the ‘Taste Di Flava’ summer promotion. And the prize? VIP tickets to night 1 of Reggae Sumfest 2025 and a one-night stay at Secrets Hotel in Montego Bay.
Antonio Bolaños, one of three winners of the Taste Di Flava promotion by Pepsi Cola Jamaica and Tastee, excitedly posed for a photo during his night 1 experience at Reggae Sumfest
“I’d seen the promotion floating around Instagram, but never thought to enter,” Antonio admitted. “It was actually my mom who bought the combo and asked if I wanted to submit. I said, sure, why not?”
Antonio is currently studying architecture at the University of Technology Jamaica. And he was more than happy to trade in his usual duties for one weekend of luxury and his favourite music at one of the island’s most high-energy cultural experiences.
“It’s always a blessing to be at Reggae Sumfest,” he said, his face lighting up beneath the venue’s glow. “This year’s energy is consistent. From the moment you walk in, it just keeps going. The artistes, the crowd, the noise, it never dips.”
The night brought surprise performances and unforgettable moments for him. “Seeing Masicka bring out Jashii? I didn’t see that coming,” he said. “The lineup already looked strong, but that took it to another level.”
When asked what the music means to him, Antonio didn’t hesitate to say, “It means everything. It’s taken me through hardship, heartache, and stress. Reggae and dancehall keep me going.” His all-time favorites are Chronixx for the roots, and yes, Vybz Kartel, cliché or not. “His catalogue is deep.” he grinned as he spoke about his favourite songs from the newly crowned King of the Dancehall.
For him, the Reggae Sumfest experience wasn’t just about the music. It was also about the people he shared it with. “I came with my sister and my best friend. I just wanted to have a good time with my people, and that’s what made it special.”
Antonio, who is a self-described lifelong fan of both Pepsi and Tastee, was still wrapping his head around how one simple combo turned into a core memory. Sharing that he is extremely grateful to Pepsi for the chance, he added, “It’s fulfilling,” he reflected. “You enjoy a product regularly without expecting anything in return, and then something like this happens. It’s like, wow, look at that.”
Three persons, Antonio Bolaños, Alric White and Steven Jones won Reggae Sumfest tickets as part of the Taste Di Flava promotion.
