Jamaica got a massive digital showcase this week when US-based streaming sensation N3on broadcast more than 18 hours of live content from Kingston, drawing a combined audience of approximately 783,000 viewers across two streams.
The social media star, whose real name is Mikyle Rafiq, returned to the island on September 28 at the invitation of international dancehall heavyweight Sean Paul, who personally guided him through some of Kingston’s cultural hotspots.
The high-profile livestream kicked off with a stop at Di Lot, on Constant Spring Road in St Andrew, where N3on got his first taste of authentic Jamaican cuisine, digging into a curried goat lunch from Murray’s while chatting with Sean Paul.
From there, the pair headed to downtown Kingston to mural projects that have transformed sections of the capital into an outdoor art gallery. Guide Amilcar Lewis walked the group through the colourful ‘Music City’ installation, highlighting interactive augmented reality murals that blend visual art, music and technology.
“All these murals are here to not only give credence to the artistes, but showcase other aspects of the Jamaican culture,” Lewis explained.
Sean Paul also used the tour to give the streamer a crash course in Jamaican history, music and identity, introducing him to iconic national phrases such as “One Love” and “Out of Many, One People”.
The pair then ventured into the bustling commercial heart of downtown Kingston, weaving through Orange Street and King Street, shopping from higglers and sampling local treats including sugar cane, fresh watermelon and peppered shrimp.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Sean Paul wrapped up his portion of the daytime tour along the Kingston waterfront.
But the stream was far from over.
Later that evening, N3on attended Jamaica’s football clash against Honduras before linking up again with Sean Paul at the artiste’s Dutty Rock Studios. There, viewers watched the streamer spend roughly an hour writing and recording a song.
The marathon Jamaican experience ended at Uptown Mondays, one of Kingston’s best-known weekly dancehall events, where N3on immersed himself in the island’s nightlife and music culture.
The production was coordinated by Sean Paul’s team, including co-manager Steve Wilson, along with Headline Entertainment.
According to Jerome Hamilton, managing director of Headline Entertainment, the operation was treated as a major international production from the outset.
“We were very deliberate in handling the stream as an international film production. This is particularly important because of the platforms on which N3on has huge audiences,” Hamilton said.
“Our work with the Jamaica Film Commission was seamless. With their direction, we were able to ensure that the Jamaican team had all the relevant permits and the international team had smooth access to our borders.”
N3on commands a huge online following, boasting approximately 1.5 million followers on Kick, more than 730,000 followers on Twitch, and over 618,000 subscribers on YouTube. He is especially popular among Gen Z viewers for his fast-paced and often unpredictable livestream content.
