His appearance at Studio 38, in Kingston on Tuesday night was his first performance in Jamaica as Laza. It was a dressed rehearsal of sorts for Reggae Sumfest (four days later) and so it was not surprising, as according to reports, the former member of LMS, added some sparks.

The latest prodigy of the Morgan’s clan, Laza was brought on stage by its patriarch Denroy Morgan, who on this occasion performed an opening act before passing the torch.

During his father’s stint comprising a medley of well known traditional chants such as Roll Jordon Roll, Conquering Lion Shall Break Every Chain, as well as some of his disco-flavoured tunes like Happy Feeling, The Prophet and his signature I’ll Do Anything For You, Revelation Comes to Past, Laza provided musical support on the congas.

“It’s about a son of mine. As it was in the beginning so shall it be in the end. We did it before, we’re about to do it again. 1992 I came to Jamaica with some of my children, you gave them love and it was like blessings from above. They became Morgan Heritage. Tonight, are you ready for Laza?”

With that brief biographical introduction, the torch was passed from Father to son who took things to another level. Laza kept the torch burning brightly with his Never A Goh Get It, I Am Coming, Dem Can’t Get Me Down, Organ Donor and of course his collaboration with Mavado, One By One.

Indicating that the torch with which he was handed is the preservation of the musical heritage of his roots and will never go dim, Laza shared with the Observer shortly after his satisfying performance.

“Right now I just released a mix tape online, free download. I got a EP coming later on this year and mi new single out a road One By One featuring Mavado. Lookout fi the video coming soon.”

— Basil Walters