As the clock struck 11 p.m., the air at the National Botanical Gardens buzzed with anticipation for the first of the three nights of the Barbados Reggae Weekend.
As the first Jamaican act for
Legends In The Gardens, Carlene Davis took to the stage and the atmosphere was electric, although the crowd was still filing in. Lines of eager patrons snaked from every direction, knowing well that the heart of the show would begin later in the night.
Bajan artistes Wendy Alleyne, Mike Grovesnor
and Desmond Weekes opened the show as it is the custom of local acts to get the ball rolling. Songs such as crowd favourites Get Up and Drink Milk,
Midnight Blue and Stand By Love made the crowd sing along.
A Diverse Audience
The crowd was a tapestry of generations, with some attendees harking back to their childhood memories – cleaning the house on Saturdays to the melodic tunes of their parents’ play-lists, or dancing to the soulful jams from street parties and jukeboxes. This blend of ages seemed to resonate with the nostalgic vibe of the show, setting the stage for a night rich in sound and memory.
Carlene Davis’ Musical Journey
Still youthful-looking, Charlene Davis charmed the audience with Going Down To Paradise, Dial My Number and Stealing Love. She brought timeless hits which edified and encouraged and gave hope and the audience did not mind gospel selections such as This Island Needs Jesus and It Must Be Love. She loves performing in Barbados, which is like home away from home, she said.
Glen Washington’s Charm
Following Davis was the dapper Glen Washington, stepping on stage clad in a sparkling blue sequin jacket. His performance of classic hits, including Strangers In The Night, One Of These Days and Rise And Shine, captivated the crowd. In a show of appreciation, the audience called him back for an encore, revelling in the nostalgia of familiar tunes that echoed across the venue.
Courtney Melody And Transition
At 12:36 a.m., the energetic Courtney Melody took over the stage, commanding the crowd for 20 minutes. He used his songs – Ninja Mi Ninja, Dangerous, Key To Your Heart and Modern Girl – to send the messages he wanted.
As he departed, DJ Jerry Dan filled in during the band change. Although the highly anticipated
Supa Cat was absent due to a medical emergency, his spirit was palpable and the crowd made it clear they felt his presence through the timeless musical selections that kept them engaged.
Wayne Wonder’s Heartfelt Set
At 1:30 a.m., the beloved Wayne Wonder graced the stage, surrounded by his talented band, which included a captivating female guitarist and dynamic backup singers. His performance of hits spanning his extensive career evoked a range of emotions. The crowd sang along to classics like No Letting Go and
Bonafide Love as music videos playing on large screens amplified the experience.
Songs like Saddest Day Of My Life, Searching Dem Searching and Bounce Along brought the house down, while his new material, the inspiring gospel track Lift Me Up and the girls’ tune – Sweet – showcased his growth as an artiste and offered a glimpse into the future of his music.
Wayne Wonder closed out his vibrant set at 2:06 a.m., leaving the audience exhilarated and longing for more. He was missing Buju Banton and others on his collaborations but his hype man more than made up for that.
Lil Rick: Keeping The Night Alive
The legendary Lil Rick took to the stage next, ensuring the audience remained enchanted and extended their stay until the early hours of the morning, concluding his set around 3 a.m. His charismatic performance reignited the crowd’s energy and enthusiasm for the night. He went into his bag of oldies but goodies and the crowd did not want to leave the grounds.
The night was a beautiful fusion of nostalgia and fresh sounds, anchored by local talents who embraced the stage and shared their stories through music. The show was seamless with the band changes hardly being noticed as the DJs used the opportunity to showcase their juggling skills while the many bars and food stalls had a steady stream of patrons.
This event was not just a concert; it was a celebration of culture, community and the timeless power of music to unite generations. As the night faded, attendees exited, still buzzing from the melodies that would linger long after the final note had played.
Barbados Reggae Weekend continued last night with Showdown In The Gardens and tonight is the finale, Reggae In the Gardens. (NS)
