Tanya Stephens dazzled, Bugle set the stage on fire, and Voicemail, LaaLee & Chi Ching Ching delivered electric moments. Here is a review of a precise night of Reggae
From Left To Right: Duane Stephenson, Laa Lee, Tanya Stephens (Jamar Cleary)
As a treat to Reggae Month, Frankie Music and Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum collaborated to deliver the 'Essence of Reggae' music festival.
A diverse list of established & upcoming reggae acts performed all night long at the Police Officers Club in Kingston.
Names like Darrio who was backed by the ‘Fyah Force Band’, Mackeehan, and Qyor, formerly & more popular known as Chevaugn, were among the first ones to carry the energy to the stage.
Ras-I, A promising star in the making (Jamar Cleary)
The fast-rising Reggae act, Ras-I blazed the stage and delivered a solid energetic set with songs like 'Kingman Ting' and the popular 'Somewhere Wonderful'. Definitely, one to watch for 2023 and beyond. He was also joined on stage by Runkus and Royal Blu for their female tribute single, 'Crazy Over You'.
The vibe group, Voicemail, with the popular duo of Kevyn V and Qraig started their set with a slew of reggae songs mixed with their mega-hit songs 'Bembe' and 'Let's Dance'. The patrons were left wanting more as their set was cut a bit short as a result of time constraints.
The Legendary, Tanya Stephens delivered as she normally does throughout her entire career with a musical onslaught of back to back to back classics 'What’s Your Story, 'Nuh Ready', 'After You', 'These Streets' and 'It’s A Pity' had the entire venue shouting and singing along.
Bugle on his energetic set (Jamar Cleary)
It would take a great performer to follow up Tanya. Entered Bugle and the Tower Band to accept the challenge with definitely the performance of the night. Bugle delivered a memorable energetic performance with his solid catalog of hits “Eye Red” “Be Proud” “Blame Life” “Journey” “Doh” & “Rasta Party”. He called up MilitaryMan to perform his recent viral song “Kingston” that was also received very well by the crowd. Bugle then ended his set with a tribute to his mother that passed away; as he concluded with “Pearly Gates” and “Exercise”.
Up next was an electrifying dancing segment. Firstly, it was the Frankie Music label’s very own, Laa Lee, with limited time remaining in the show, who gave in his usual vibrant & energetic wielded set as he belted out fan favorites 'Watz On Sale' & 'Tip Inna It', before welcoming fellow dancehall star Chi Ching Ching who joined him onstage with a medley of 'Rock The World', 'High Voltage', 'Breadfruit', and 'Rope'. Laa Lee also called on Tony Rebel's daughter, Davianah, and also Monifah who are also from his Frankie Music Studio camp.
Chi Ching Ching, Rock the stage (Jamar Cleary)
During all band changes between performances DJs; Kurt Riley & JJ Wizzle were both on hand all night to keep the patrons attention with their musical selections. The Essence of Reggae is surely a festival to keep your eye on for the future.
Dario, Kurt Riley, Qyor. patrons just enjoyed this event (Jamar Cleary)
