Inaugural Barbados Reggae Weekend Kicks off with Legends of Reggae Show at National Botanical Gardens

The inaugural Barbados Reggae Weekend got off to a sensational start with the Legends of Reggae Show on Friday night. Expectation has been high for the three-event series at the National Botanical Gardens, and though there were some brief showers, opening night delivered in every way. Fans were treated to an unforgettable evening of top-notch reggae performances.

One of the most highly anticipated moments was the Old Dub Jam session, with this lineup having a premium slot at the height of the show. Daddy Plume was the first out the blocks and his happiness could not be contained. He unleashed his signature laugh before performing Big Up Escape, and Cowboys. He passed the baton to Ranking Ricky who started with a tune about Ralph Thorne’s recent crossing of the floor before launching into Driving Skill and Detrimental. Next up was Kid Site with De Gun, Errol Walton Barrow, and Babylon Searching.

Natalie Burke was the lone female in the pack. She paid homage to some of the local greats who have passed on including the much-loved deejays Jon Doe and J. P. International. She teamed up with Peter Ram on Days Like This. He in turn hyped up the audience from the first note of Quicksand and continued with that momentum riling up the audience with God in My Heart, Skettel Jonesing and De People. Lil Rick wrapped up this segment on a high with his crowd-pleasing hits Dollar Wine, Talk Fa Me, De Yutes, ABC, Done Get Yam Out, and Bumpa Inspector.

Matching the quality of your records is no easy feat, but these icons showed that they were up to the challenge. With decades of experience under his belt, Sanchez cemented his place as one of the best live acts. Donning a striking purple three-piece suit, he mesmerised fans with his unrivalled vocals that did not falter at any point during his exceptional set. Hitting the stage with Here I Am, his musical feast held something for every palette. Whether it was lovers rock, old school ballads, conscious tunes or even gospel music, the Jamaican star left his fan base gratified.

Also pleasing the large crowd with some sweet selections was Pinchers who showed his calibre on favourites including Agony, Mass Out, Benti Uno, Bandelero, Send Another One and Champion Bubbler.

Admiral Tibet was flawless with his timeless classics. His phenomenal presentation included Serious Time, Informer, Deh Pon Mi Guard, Advantage, Envious and Tell Me Which One. In the words of host for the night Daddy Fabian, he could not possibly sing all and even when his set was complete the audience still craved more, and he returned to the stage with Leave People Business. Eric Donaldson, who opened the show, displayed impressive agility performing Land of My Birth, Miserable Woman, Sweet Jamaica and Cherry Oh Baby.

After a spectacular start, the stage is set for The Showdown with performances by Sizzla, Chronic Law, Byron Messia, Jah Vinci, Kranium and Brutal Crankstar. (STT)