Dancehall legend Buju Banton is calling on the Government to revamp the country’s infrastructure to facilitate ease for patrons attending events.

The Not An Easy Road singer made the plea during his set at the highly anticipated Intimate Concert held at Plantation Cove in St Ann on Saturday, which saw an extensive line of traffic leading to the venue from early afternoon and as far as the North-south leg of Highway 2000’s Mammee Bay toll plaza.

“I want to apologise for the traffic that many [of you] experienced while commuting to Intimate tonight. We tried our best. We hope those people who are powerful in the country can see that our infrastructure needs development, as much as we do, and give it some attention so that when people come out to party it should be hassle-free. You can expect some traffic, but not in this way. We can’t blame anybody, ‘cause we love our music,” he said.

Despite the traffic snarl, the show delivered solid sets with the co-headliners wooing their sea of fans with non-stop hits. Beres Hammond preceded Buju Banton in the solo department, touching the stage at approximately 12:27 am on Sunday with a bright smile that complemented his white cap and matching shirt which bore swirls of colourful patterns. As he greeted his family he started rendering numbers such as She Loves Me Now, What One Dance Can Do, Love Means Never To Say I’m Sorry, and One Step Ahead.

The couples in attendance had a grand time as they could be seen embracing each other all across the venue as Beres Hammond went deep into his catalogue of lovers’ rock.

The singer repeatedly expressed his gratitude for an increase in support for what was the sophomore staging of the concert.

“We did it again. We’re showing them that we like beautiful people [and] we like beautiful shows where people can come out and look their best,” the veteran artiste said to fans, who responded with cheers.

Buju Banton delivered a balance of encouragement during his high-energy set which was thoroughly enjoyed. Between Destiny, Champion and Wanna Be Loved there was hardly any patron not grooving as the intermittent drizzle and winds cooled the atmosphere.

Naturally, he and Hammond performed Pull Up and Who Say together and the fans screamed in excitement.

Wayne Wonder upped the ante by pleasing the fans with his classics and even showing off his dance moves. The ladies one again found their singing voices.

The concert also featured vocal favourite Romain Virgo, who was among the youngest acts to take the Intimate Concert stage. He gave a thrilling performance, and at one point got off stage and into the audience to serenade a blushing patron, even surprising her with a rose. A few other lucky fans were also given flowers.

The budding maestro opened his set clad in a green and black three-piece suit, but as he turned up the temperature for the fans he would soon lose two layers and, by the end of the performance, was only in his black shirt and pants. He told he adoring audience that it was a dream come true to be on the Intimate stage after missing the inaugural staging due to another engagement.

“At the time, I had a show in Barbados already booked, and so I was in Barbados when the show was going on. But my heart was in Jamaica ‘cause I wanted to be here,” he said.

The line-up for the crowd-pleasing show also featured the Queen of Reggae Marcia Griffiths, Bugle, and I-Wayne, who made a cameo appearance.

Patrons could be heard already inquiring about next year and speculating which artiste could make their Intimate Concert début.

Beres Hammond lights up the stage at the Intimate concert on Saturday, January 4, 2025 at Plantation Cove. (Garfield Robinson)

Fans respond to the onstage action. (Garfield Robinson)

Patron Heather Smith gets a personal performance from Romain Virgo as he gets off stage and into the crowd. (Garfield Robinson)

Romain Virgo gets intense onstage. (Garfield Robinson)

Saxophonist Dean Fraser takes in the sights and sounds. (Garfield Robinson)

Wicker Man (left) and Nitty Kutchie (Garfield Robinson)

Rohan Brown and Rachael Reid are overcome by the thrilling music. (Garfield Robinson)

After her set, Queen Marcia Griffiths (left) shares the frame with Member of Parliament Rhoda Crawford at the Intimate concert.

Wayne Wonder commands the crowd during his set. (Garfield Robinson)