Kensington Mall car park transformed into a pulsating hub of Barbadian music last Friday, as Mikey Mercer’s annual Reunion event brought together the island’s top talent for a night of unforgettable performances.
Under the theme “Bring Ya Crew”, the nearly six-hour spectacle showcased a diverse lineup of artistes spanning generations.
Veteran performers and rising stars alike kept the crowd moving with a mix of classic hits and fresh tracks. It was a ‘who’s who’ in Barbadian entertainment – Lil Rick, White Wine, Major Shackie, Outpatients featuring Gorg, John Buckwild and Krosfyah’s Tony Rebel Bailey, Mr Dale, Alison Hinds, Edwin Yearwood and Khiomal, King Bubba and Rupee, Marzville, Hypasounds, Nikita, Fadda Fox, SALT, Scrilla, Timmy and Brucelee Almighty – all took turns leading the crowd to the edge of calypso nirvana.
Surprise guest Leadpipe and Saddis electrified the audience with chart-toppers Blaze It Up and Toxic. The legendary Red Plastic Bag teamed up with Mac Fingall for a rousing rendition of Ragga Ragga.
Edwin and Mikey entertaining the crowd.
Mercer, celebrating two decades in the industry, treated attendees to a journey through his musical career. From his early days of grass skirts to recent releases like Back Back and A Blessing, Mercer’s performance highlighted his evolution as an artist.
The reunion of Soka Kartel, featuring Blood alongside Mercer, proved to be an emotional high point. Their collaboration on “Heart of the Party” and “Feting Family” drew an enthusiastic response from the crowd.
Alison Hinds
“That song is actually a gift to Blood because not only was I able to play it in my 20th year but 20 years ago Blood took a risk on me. He literally funded the first song that I did. He was the one who took the risk, so I felt good that in my 20th year I could do the same, taking the risk and funding everything with that song,” Mercer said of Heart of the Party. “So, to see the response and to see how happy he is performing it and then seeing the crowd receiving it that way, that made it very emotional for me.”
Mac Fingall and RPB shared a moment on stage.
Emerging talents also had their moment in the spotlight. Tionne Hernandez performed her viral hit Starter Pack, whilst newly crowned Junior Monarch, King Showman, demonstrated why he earned his title.
As the event drew to a close, Mercer delivered a spectacular finale atop an adjacent building, complete with fire, smoke, and water effects. His performances of Wildness and an encore of Heart of the Party left the audience clamouring for more, even as the clock neared 4 a.m.
Mr Blood
Looking ahead, Mercer has already begun planning for Reunion 2025, promising more surprises and unforgettable moments. The overwhelming positive response to this year’s event has cemented the Mikey Mercer and Friends Reunion as so much more than wukking up.
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