Hats off to Reggae Weekend Weekend

THE BARBADOS REGGAE WEEKEND CREW can take a deep, proud bow. Over three pulsating days, they orchestrated a symphony of reverberating reggae and dancehall rhythms that left patrons enchanted and artistes beaming with delight.

The festival, held at the lush National Botanical Gardens, only encountered a hiccup when Jamaican icon Super Cat faced a medical emergency that prevented his appearance on Friday. Nonetheless, the lineups did not fall short, showcasing the heart and soul of reggae music from both local and international artistes.

Sunday marked the festival’s zenith, a day dubbed “Reggae in the Gardens” – a family-friendly affair that melded rhythm and unity amid nature’s bountiful beauty.

The day kicked off with local act Rite Side of Red, whose powerful conscious lyrics set a thoughtful tone and paved the way for what would be an unforgettable event. Their music resonated with the earliest attendees, igniting a spark that would blossom throughout the day.

Following them was Etana, the radiant Jamaican songstress adorned in ethereal whites. With her flawless voice soaring through poignant melodies like I Am Not Afraid and Free, she captured hearts, stoking the flames of empowerment and resilience. The audience swayed, alive with the message of positivity she conveyed through every note.

Next up was Ghana’s own Moily who, also clad in white, performed her infectious hit, Shake It To The Max. Though honing her stagecraft is still a work in progress, the song had the audience doing the signature dance.

As tensions built for the heavyweight hitters, Maxi Priest stepped into the spotlight, a familiar figure in Barbados with a catalogue cherished by many. Clad in white, he took the audience on a nostalgic journey, belting out anthems such as Just A Little Bit Longer and Close To You. The crowd sang along, each note resonating like a heartbeat shared among friends.

The unmissable Shabba Ranks – Jamaica’s dancehall legend – then made his grand entrance, adorned in an oversized pants and a vibrant pink jacket. At 59, this maestro of reggae effortlessly commanded the stage and his loyal audience, mesmerising thousands gathered at the National Botanical Gardens. With each pulsating beat, he conjured a euphoric atmosphere, performing classics such as Mr Lover Man, Ting-A-Ling, Trailer Load A Girls, Wicked Inna Bed, Roots & Culture, Bedroom Bully, Gal yuh Good, Peeny Peeny, Dem Bow, None Ah Dem while his magnetic energy drew everyone closer. He endeavoured to end his set multiple times, only to be met with deafening roars by patrons with “Shabba, Shabba, Shabba”.

As Shabba Ranks shared the limelight with his talented backup singers, it became crystal clear that he was not just performing; he was christening the Botanical Gardens as a new stomping ground.

Next up, the King of the Dancehall himself, Beenie Man, graced the stage. Dressed in a sparkling black suit, he brought the house down, reminding everyone why he holds the crown. Performing hits such as Girls Dem Suga and Dancehall Queen, he encouraged unity among generations, advocating for the nurturing of young talent. His did a charismatic tribute to Shabba whom he said had influenced his style of music.

Adding to the day’s excitement was an unexpected appearance from Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, who engaged with Beenie Man. In a playful banter, Beenie told the crowd that when Mottley started her journey for Prime Minister, she asked for his support, which he gave.

He called her “Queen of the Dancehall” and the PM in turn took the mic and told Beenie loud screams from lauded promoter came out to take Culminating this Signal, who may his predecessors doubt, that he could Bursting forth with into favourites like propelling the throngs performance, into From the first clear the thousands they did not leave Busy Signal took catalogue that many Showing the versatility Dem Try, and many As the performance night sky, resonating display marked not but also commemorated played a pivotal Patrons left yesterday high, all eager to reggae revelry. (CM/NS) Man: “You are the girl’s dem suga” to from the crowd. The Prime Minister then promoter of the event, Ryan Brathwaite, who take a bow. this star-studded lineup was Busy may not boast the storied accolades of predecessors but proved, without a shadow of a could ignite the stage just the same. with uncontainable energy, he launched like Step Out and Bedroom Bully, throngs who stayed behind to watch his into a fervour of movement and joy. first words that came from his mouth, it was thousands who remained were waiting for him as leave even after the big guns had performed. took people on a musical journey with his many might not even have known. versatility of his vocals he did Free Up, All many others. performance hit its apex, fireworks erupted into the resonating with the spirit of celebration. The vibrant not only the conclusion of a phenomenal festival commemorated the tenth anniversary of TicketLinks, who role in making the weekend possible. yesterday morning with hearts full and spirits to return next year for another sweet symphony of

point on stage by Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley.

Inset, Busy Signal’s catalogue is extensive and the crowd was not disappointed he closed the show.