Hiccups and Harmony: A Night to Remember at One Drop Concert
Last Saturday, the first Coveside Concerts show of the 2025 season, titled One Drop, took place at Plantation Cove in St Ann. Despite a few hiccups along the way, the night turned out to be a memorable celebration of reggae music, just as Gramps Morgan had boldly predicted days before.
The evening kicked off with an electrifying performance from Dance Xpressionz at 8:15 p.m., who set the tone with Bob Marley’s classic, "One Drop." The energy in the air was palpable as fans eagerly awaited the main acts. The lineup included reggae legends Gramps Morgan, Barrington Levy, and Luciano, each bringing their unique flair to the stage.
As the night progressed, the atmosphere was charged with excitement. Luciano took the stage at 9:31 p.m., and despite the long wait, the audience quickly forgot their frustrations. With songs like "Give Praise to Rastafari" and "Never Give Up My Pride," he captivated the crowd, reminding everyone of the power of music to uplift and inspire. His heartfelt performance culminated in a kneeling prayer, asking for blessings and guidance.
However, the night wasn’t without its challenges. The police arrived to enforce the 12 midnight lock-off permit, which cut into Barrington Levy’s set. But the officers showed some grace, allowing the show to continue. Levy, who took the stage at 11:50 p.m., was visibly excited to be performing in Jamaica again after a long hiatus. “It’s been a long time since I performed here,” he told the crowd, and he didn’t hold back. With hits like "Murderer" and "Too Experienced," he had Plantation Cove singing along as if they were his backup choir.
Levy’s jovial spirit shone through as he explained to The Gleaner team backstage, “I can’t be present at every pan that knock. You cannot overdo your welcome … I love to be missed.” His charisma and energy were infectious, and the audience loved every moment.
Gramps Morgan, who performed before Levy, brought his own unique blend of reggae and country reggae to the stage. Wearing a jacket adorned with the Jamaican flag, he proudly represented his roots. His set included emotional tributes to his late brother, Peetah, who passed away a year ago. “This concert … it’s just a joy to be given this opportunity by Coveside … in Reggae Month,” he shared, his voice filled with emotion. “The year has been rough … yuh hear mi … rough. But we lean on each other.”
Organiser Vonni McGowan acknowledged the late start, calling it “very un-Coveside like,” but emphasized that the quality of the performances made the audience forgiving. “Barrington Levy is a cultural gem. Coveside Concerts really intends to showcase the best of Jamaica,” she said, highlighting the importance of dance and music in Jamaican culture.
As the night drew to a close, fans left Plantation Cove with smiles on their faces, cherishing the memories of a night filled with music, emotion, and a sense of community. The 2025 Coveside Concerts season promises more exciting performances, with the next show featuring the legendary Dionne Warwick and other iconic artists on March 29.
Will you be there to experience the magic of reggae music?