Intimate Concert - A Night of Unforgettable Moments
- dancehallleaguejm
- Jan 11
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 3
Intimate 2025 was an event that brought reggae music lovers together for an extraordinary night of soul-stirring performances and timeless hits. The stage was set for an unforgettable experience as some of the genre's biggest names delivered captivating sets, each artist showcasing their unique style and legacy. From the Queen of Reggae to the rising stars of today, the night was a celebration of musical excellence.
Marcia Griffiths, the undisputed Queen of Reggae. Still radiating elegance and grace, Marcia performed a selection of her classics, effortlessly captivating the audience with her beautiful voice. She opened with her heartfelt ballad “You and Me,” a song that had the crowd swaying to its rhythm. She then transported us to a nostalgic place with her rendition of "Three Little Birds," spreading messages of hope and positivity. Of course, no set from Marcia would be complete without “Electric Boogie,” a song that has become a global anthem. At 75, she sounded as fresh and powerful as ever, proving that her reign in reggae music is far from over.
Next up was Bugle, an artist known for his deep, emotive sound and ability to seamlessly blend reggae, dancehall, and conscious lyrics. He started strong with his hits “What I'm Gonna Do” and “Don't Blame Life,” but it was his deep dive into his musical journey that truly stood out. Performing “Music Save My Life,” Bugle shared his personal story with the audience, reflecting on the transformative power of music. His set took an intimate turn as he introduced Iwayne, who kicked off his segment with an acapella medley that brought a fresh wave of energy to the night.
When the riddim kicked in, the bass led the charge with Iwayne's hits like “Living In Love” and “Lava Grung,” ending with his breakout track “One Man Can’t Satisfy Her.” Iwayne had the crowd grooving and singing along, showcasing his vocal strength and stage presence.
Bugle also took a moment to open up about his personal life, sharing an emotional story about his mother being in the hospital. His heartfelt message, urging everyone to tell their mothers they love them, added a deeply human touch to the night. He closed his set with “Pearly Gates”, leaving the audience with a sense of reflection and appreciation.
Romain Virgo continues to prove why he's a force to be reckoned with in the reggae scene. He opened his set with a remix of “Live Me Life,” incorporating Toots Hibbert’s iconic hit “54-46 Was My Number” into the mix, giving the audience a taste of his musical influences. Romain then tested the audience to see who had been with him from the early days of “All Together Sing” and “Rising Star,” before unleashing a string of crowd favorites, including “Rain Is Falling,” “Way Too Beautiful,” and “Taking You Home.” But it was “Leave Dutty Man” that really got the crowd moving, reminding everyone of his undeniable star power.
Romain’s rich, soulful voice and charismatic stage presence were evident throughout the night, solidifying his place as the young legend with a voice that transcends generations.
Beres Hammond, the man, the myth, the legend, took the stage next, and his performance was nothing short of divine. Known for his soothing, smooth vocals and timeless hits, Beres captivated the audience from the moment he stepped on stage. His set was a journey through his impressive catalog, with fans singing along to classics like “I Feel Good,” “They Gonna Talk” and “Can’t Stop a Man from Trying.” At 69, Beres sounded as beautiful as ever, and his effortless command of the stage had the crowd entranced.
The highlight of his set came with his performance of “Rockaway,” a song that felt like a perfect conclusion to his flawless set. Beres is the embodiment of reggae’s enduring spirit, and his performance was a testament to the timeless nature of his music.
The night reached its peak when Buju Banton, the Gargamel himself, took the stage with unmatched energy. Buju began with “Destiny” and followed it up with “Not An Easy Road,” setting the tone for the rest of his set. The crowd was immediately captivated by his raw energy and powerful delivery, both in his vocals and his presence. Buju's performance was more than just a musical set—it was an experience. His voice, deep and commanding, intertwined perfectly with his incredible band, which was just as mesmerizing to watch.
Buju’s chemistry with Beres Hammond was undeniable when he brought him back on stage to perform their iconic hits together. Fans were left in awe of the sheer talent and synergy these two reggae giants shared.
Not content to rest on his laurels, Buju brought out Wayne Wonder to perform their collaboration “Saddest Day.” Wayne Wonder, in his usual smooth style, opened his set with the emotional track before delivering a string of his hits, showing just why he remains a favorite among fans. He even threw in a few dance moves, proving he still has the moves to match his musical legacy.
The collaboration didn’t end there—Buju also brought out Gramps Morgan for a stirring rendition of “23rd Psalm,” a spiritual and uplifting moment in the night. Their combined forces proved that reggae music is alive and well in the hands of these legends.
Throughout the night, Burger Man, the MC, kept the energy high with his comedic jests and banter. His lively personality filled in the gaps during band changes and breaks, ensuring that the crowd stayed engaged and entertained. Whether he was cracking jokes or hyping up the audience, Burger Man brought an extra layer of fun to the evening, making sure no moment was dull.
Intimate 2025 was more than just a concert—it was a celebration of reggae music’s past, present, and future. The night was filled with iconic performances, emotional moments, and positive vibration that showcased the power of live music.
