INTIMATE CONCERT JAMAICA
by Sista Irie
January 22, 2023
There was no better way to start the 2023 New Year than by attending the star packed reggae stage show “Intimate Concert ” featuring Buju Banton, Beres Hammond, Tarrus Riley, Marcia Griffiths and L.U.S.T. My excitement was more than super charged having experienced Buju’s “Long Walk to Freedom” concert in March, 2019. Much of the same electricity buzzing across the crowd was apparent as patrons gathered to celebrate with a special collection of their favorite artists. Grizzly’s Plantation Cove was ram packed with a sea of adoring fans happy to be celebrating an intimate new year after years of pandemic isolation.
Live performances began after an overarching review of beloved reggae hits by the Bass Odyssey sound system. Dean Fraser launched live entertainment featuring the onstage talents of Mitch the Singer, MediSun, DiYani, and Nitty Kutchie; all who became instant crowd pleasers. Although, the show started a bit late, this allowed those caught in traffic jams to arrive in time and not miss the superior presentation of singers and players. It was a token of appreciation to the fans.
L.U.S.T arrived on stage dressed in elegant colorful outfits. Their outstanding vocals and eye catching dance moves quickly captured the audiences attention. L.U.S.T is a four part harmony group comprised of Thriller U, Luke D, Singing Melody, and Tony Curtis; all amazing singers in their own right and each entertaining the crowd as a lead vocalist. For those who have never seen this group, their great musical contributions will certainly continue to be recognized as a part of reggae history especially in an era where talented singing harmony groups are rare. L.U.S.T’s unending energy and perfectly timed vocals mesmerized the crowd who instantly began cheering and singing their favorite songs.
Marcia Griffiths, Queen of Reggae, entered the stage in all white, wearing a radiant glowing gown reflecting the angelic quality of her voice and message. Her son, Errol Thompson Jr. joined on stage while they performed several dramatic duets. Marcia mentioned she is often asked if Errol is her ‘young boyfriend’ and then she laughs and explains Errol is her son. She is proud to sing and share the stage with such talent. At the end of the set, Marcia was awarded the Red Stripe Living Legend Award.
The Intimate Concert also featured Tarrus Riley and his 12 year old son and guitarist Mekiem. Tarrus and Mekiem shared fatherly son exchanges creating an emotional moment especially during the song “I’m in Your Corner.” This song brings tears to Tarrus’s eyes as he remembers when he was young and invited onstage by his legendary father, Jimmy Riley. Tarrus is passing the love of a father to his son just as he was anointed as a young man. I still remember back to the days of Western Consciousness in Llandilo when Jimmy and Tarrus were both onstage and from then the future was set.
THEN…. the magical moment arrived. I heard the load roar from the audience as first Beres and then Buju arrived onstage to ‘Pull Up the Vibes.’ Beres and Buju have long been close friends and their presence on stage together made for an intimate night never to be forgotten. Beres sang hit after hit, and at one point introduced Popcaan to perform their duet “God is Love.” One of the most interesting moments of the night was late into Beres set, when members of the Harmony House Band backing Beres were slowly replaced one by one with players of Buju’s Til Shiloh Band without a moment’s gap in time. This was one of the smoothest set changes I have witnessed in reggae history.
At approximately 1:30 a.m. after a slight drizzle of rain, Buju arrives on stage in a bright red suit, chanting in his unmistakeable gravely dancehall voice and adding hot fuel to a crowd primed for the ultimate close of the show. Buju’s songs ranged from serious conscious roots to dancehall vibes while bringing on guest Gramps Morgan before closing out with Beres Hammond. It was as intimate as a family reunion for both artists and fans. The Red Stripe Living Legend Awards were give to both Beres and Buju. The party ended with everyone feeling a sense of peace, love and unity. It was for sure an intimate night of sweet, remarkable reggae music.
