The highly anticipated 2025 Coveside Concert series at Plantation Cove got off to a late start on Saturday, but any frustration quickly dissolved once the first note hit the speakers. What could have been a logistical disaster became an unforgettable night of reggae excellence, as some of the genre’s most celebrated voices took the stage.
Luciano, known as The Messenger, set the tone for the evening with a powerful and uplifting performance. From the moment he opened with Who Could It Be and Ulterior Motive, the crowd was captivated. More than just delivering hits, Luciano turned his set into a call for unity and faith, reminding fans of the power of prayer before launching into the soul-stirring It’s Me Again Jah. With hands raised and voices joined in harmony, the audience transformed into a choir under the night sky.
Gramps Morgan carried the emotional energy forward with a deeply personal set, featuring a tribute to his late brother, Peetah Morgan. Joined by his son Jemere and brother Mojo, the trio honored the Morgan Heritage legacy with Down By The River before Gramps took the crowd on a journey through his own catalog, including Runaway Bay and People Like You. The most touching moment came when Gramps introduced his youngest son, who defied medical odds to walk onto the stage after doctors once predicted he never would. The crowd erupted in applause, embracing the moment as a testament to strength and perseverance.
Closing out the night, reggae icon Barrington Levy delivered a masterclass in live performance. With an arsenal of timeless hits like Murderer, Too Experienced, and Here I Come, Levy had the audience dancing and singing along in full force. His signature vocal style and electrifying stage presence proved once again why he remains one of the genre’s most enduring stars.
Despite the late start, the Coveside Concert series’ opening night was a triumph. Organizer Vonni Koromanti emphasized the event’s dedication to preserving reggae’s legacy, stating, “This is about more than just music—it’s about culture, history, and the spirit of Jamaica.”
With a powerful kickoff, the 2025 Coveside Concert series has set the stage for what promises to be a remarkable season celebrating the heart and soul of reggae music.
