Saturday night Rise Reggae put on it’s third edition of the widely anticipated event with thousands filling Kensington Oval for a night of sweet reggae music and riddims.
This year’s line-up of reggae royalty included headliners Sizzla Kalonji, Romain Virgo, Junior Kelly and Rhesa Garnes. DJ RAS was the MC for the event.
Doors opened from 8 p.m. and as the crowd built up they were treated to DJ sets from the impressive lineup of Freedom Sounds’ Jerry Dan powered by Rude Boy Barbados, the Energy Squad with Mikey Dread & Shaddy, Legacy Team, T&Z entertainment, Jesse T and DJ RAS.
Each set delivered an infectious blend of modern and vintage reggae music. By the time the live performance started two hours later, the audience was in a grove, dancing and singing along to the positive reggae vibes permeating the air.
Barbados’ own reggae songstress, Garnes, led off the live performances with her soulful voice, the perfect opener to was what an unforgettable evening.
Junior Kelly received a rousing welcome from the Bajan crowd. He gave a captivating performance as he delivered hit after hit including crowd favourite If Love So Nice and closed off his set with Take this Up next, Romain Virgo, the “Gentleman of Reggae” graced the stage sending the women wild. He delivered hits such as Who Feels It Knows It and Fade Away.
He took a moment to talk about the devastation Hurricane Melissa brought to his beloved island of Jamaica and thanked the Barbadian public for their unwavering support.
He then gave a moving rendition of the Jamaican anthem which touched the hearts of all in attendance, especially the Jamaicans in the crowd who sang in unison. He continued his performance with Soul Provider, a medley of reggae hits on the Joy Ride Riddim, and closed out with Good Woman, heading into the crowd and handing out roses, much to the delight of the female fans.
Up next, DJ Indian & Chris Gayle kept the vibes going with a blazing DJ set of old and new reggae tunes which heightened the energy of the crowd as they anticipated the headline act of the night.
When Sizzla hit the stage, the crowd erupted.
The energy in the Oval was infectious and the audience turned into a choir as the man, the legend, delivered hit after hit from his more than 30 years in entertainment and 80 albums.
Each tune was recited word for word, beginning to end as the Bajan crowd showed their pure love and admiration in song. (LR)
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