From the stage to the stands, the Jamaica Strong Benefit Concert at the UBS Arena in Long Island last Friday, Dec. 12, was a celebration of Caribbean excellence.
Jamaican-born, New York-based entertainment publicist Anthony “ER Guru” Turner told Caribbean Life that dancehall superstar Shaggy lived up to his pre-concert billing, delivering popular hits “Boombastic,” “It Was Not Me” and “Big Up,” with Rayvon in tow.
Turner said Sean Paul scored with “Like Glue,” “Gimme The Light,” “Get Busy,” “Temperature” and “I’m Still In Love With You.”
Trinidad soca star Kes emerged as a standout favorite, with one fan declaring him “the ultimate performer,” Turner said.
“His high-energy set brought a Trinidad flavor that was infectious and drew massive praise,” he said.
Turner said dancehall star Aidonia kept the energy level fever pitched with hits “Yeah, Yeah”; “Oko, Oko”; and “Girl Yuh Want.”
He said Tee Jay and Chronic Law “left their own marks on a stacked lineup.”
Additionally, Turner said Mikey Spice impressed with “I Am I Said” and “Born Again,” while Maxi Priest “warmed hearts with ‘Wild World’ and ‘House Call.’”
Turner said Inner Circle “brought vintage reggae history to life with ‘Tenement Yard’; ‘Sweat’; and ‘Bad, Bad Boys.’”
“Richie Stephens came best prepared for the assignment, opening with his dancehall classic ‘Trying To Get Close To You,’ which made way for ‘Let’s Drink To the Hard Working People’ before closing with Sam Cooke’s ‘A Change Is Gonna Come.’”
Turner said Gramps Morgan, joined by his sons Jemere and Piers Morgan, delivered “Wash The Tears Away,” “Give A Little More,” and “Down By The River.”
He said former “Voice” winner Tessanne Chin delivered a “soul-stirring version” of Bob Marley’s “Redemption Song,” alongside her hit “Hideaway.”
Turner said additional standout performances came from Demarco, I-Octane, dancehall quartet TOK, and reggae royalty Marcia Griffiths, the “Queen of Reggae,” who was joined on stage by Lukie D.
Turner said other solid performances came from former Jamaica festival winner Abby Dallas and rising star Aiesha Barrett, “who warmed hearts with a powerful rendition of the concert’s theme song ‘Jamaica Strong.’
“Barrett has an incredible voice. I expect big things from her now that she has gotten the attention of the world with Jamaica Strong,” Turner said.
Dumpling Cove Restaurant CEO Kerith Mair, who watched the benefit concert live on Amazon/TVJ, told Caribbean Life, “I loved the show. It was well coordinated and with so many artists.
“It was nice seeing all those artists from lovers rock, dancehall and soca with Kes,” he said. “It was nice to see Aiesha Barrett doing the theme song, Jamaica Strong. Marcia never disappoints. I felt Richie Stephens doing ‘A Change Gonna Come’ was great.
“Tessanne’s voice has to be one of the world’s great voices as she reaches highs that not many singers can ever reach,” Mair added. “Her rendition of Bob Marley’s ‘Redemption Song’ was not only fitting, but it was totally loved by the audience.”
JAIRIE radio host and NY fashionista Sherry Southe-Tyme agreed, saying, “The Jamaica strong concert was a hit.”
Besides the music, Southe-Tyme said the fashion added another layer to the night’s buzz.
“I popped into Queen Marcia Griffiths’ room at the UBS Arena, and style and fashion were truly the order of the day,” she said. “The ever-fashionable sister did not disappoint. She stepped out in a close-fitting black pants suit paired effortlessly with fashionable UGG boots.
“Later, she elevated the entire moment by flashing her luxurious fur coat worn with pure class and confidence,” Southe-Tyme added.
She also raved about Richie Stephens outfit, saying, “He delivered a striking fashion moment. Dressed in a sharp all black ensemble, he exuded confidence and timeless style.
“The look was elevated by a fedora hat, adding a touch of classic sophistication and stage presence,” she said. “His jacket carried a powerful message, with JAMAICA written boldly along the sleeves and the Jamaican flag displayed on both sides and across the back.
“This was not just an outfit; it was a proud representation of culture, identity, and artistry, worn effortlessly by an icon who understands the power of both music and image,” Southe-Tyme added.
In singling out actor Leon Robinson, renowned for his role in the movie “Cool Runnings,” Southe-Tyme said he “made a striking appearance in a sharp trench coat.”
Besides the music and awe-inspiring fashion of the stars, Turner sang praises about the food that was catered backstage by Conroy “Connie” McGregor of Silver Crust Restaurant.
“I must confess the food was flavorful,” he said. “I really enjoyed the spicy jerk chicken and the fried coconut shrimp. The curry goat, fried chicken, escovitch fish, served with a choice of white rice, rice and peas or steamed vegetables, looked sumptuous.”
Turner said the Rasta Pasta was also a big hit, disclosing that, the next day, he “actually went to the Queens’ Silver Crust location to get breakfast and lunch to go.”
