Event Review: Reggae Month

It’s been a month long celebration that has evolved into something that I think will continue to grow, and last a very long time. These are the type of events that keep good positive Reggae alive. Like sister Marcia said “Reggae music from the good school.”

Have to hail up Babsy Grange, she is doing great things in Jamaica. Sharon Burke still putting in the work. She is Fully Loaded for sure still in 2022 big up! For those who don’t know she played a major part in helping DJ Cassidy put together the Reggae version of his very popular production “Pass the mic.” (Reggae Pass The Mic) He made a brief appearance at the celebration Sunday evening after some great performances at the Reggae on the Pier event.

For a person that loves Reggae music those responsible for Reggae month have made Jamaica the place to be in February. If you know Jamaica it’s the place to be all the time, but Reggae music makes it even better. Imagine that!

The month started out warm & easy with the virtual church service and launch. On the first of the month the earth light of the iconic Dennis Emmanuel Brown, the crown Prince of Reggae music was celebrated as “Remembering Dennis Brown” tribute concert. The nights lineup featured Julian Marley, George Nooks, The great Bongo Herman, Richie Stephens, Christopher Ellis, David Cariol (France), Mary Issacs, Big Youth, Chester Miller, Junior Reid, Freddie Mcgregor, and Capleton. What a show full of veteran voices. Chester Miller I have to say did sound very much like Dennis Brown.

There were plenty more events throughout the month. Another highlight was Sizzla’s performance. “Rise to the occasion” featured Sizzla Kolonji in concert along with the Reggae Orchestra. The 35 piece Orchestra brought a classical flava infused with Reggae headed by the the uniqueness of Sizzla was amazing to hear!

There’s so much more that can be said but I’ll just seal it up with the performance at “Reggae on the Pier” from the Queen Marcia Griffiths & Beres Hammond. It was a golden moment in time. To hear Marcia still sound like she hasn’t missed a beat was wonderful. Beres Hammond is ever lasting. VP records helped to make it possible and they deserve credit for their contributions.

Reggae Month despite the worlds troubles was a major success! Covid-19, and the spikes in other variants didn’t stop this year’s presentation which has been a major hurdle for the entertainment industry the past few years. I expect next years Reggae Month to be even more of a success.