Sizzla was in his element on Saturday night as he turned in a solid set at the Young Reggae Ambassadors concert held inside the Emancipation Park.

The free event, staged as part of Reggae Month celebrations, attracted scores of eager reggae lovers ready to soak up the vibrancy of a music birthed on The Rock.

Born Miguel Collins, the August Town native closed out a night of vibrant performances as reggae music took centre stage.

Rolling out one hit after the other, Sizzla had the entire Emancipation Park fully enthralled. With eyes glued to the stage from start to finish, fans graciously participated in the Guide Over Us singer’s performance.

Though the entertainer had his backing band complete with background singers, patrons added their voices to the set in a chorus that no doubt echoed across New Kingston.

With more than 70 albums under his belt, Sizzla expertly delivered a wide variety of tracks from his massive catalogue, including favourites among them Thank U Mama, Just One of Those Days, Give Me A Try, Solid As A Rock, Black Woman & Child.

But while the audience thoroughly enjoyed the Sizzla classics, it would not be an authentic performance from the entertainer if it were devoid of messages aimed at the nation’s political leaders. With the minister of culture and entertainment in attendance, Sizzla used the opportunity to advocate on behalf of the Jamaican people. Dubbing himself a worthy messenger, the entertainer pleaded with authorities to fix several issues, including bad roads and a broken health-care system.

“Nuff things unnu [politicians] nah gwaan wid. We don’t need the politicians to be acting as if they are blind, gerrymandering about the place, because work needs to be done,” he said. “The roads dem waan fix, dem bad like that. The hospital dem waan fix up. Big coins a come in, and the Government nah set up the babies dem fi get the big coins. Mi nuh wah nobody whether unnu rich or unnu poor, come inna reggae and waste reggae money,” the artist charged.

The crowd roared in support.

“Reggae music is not just only a sound; reggae music is a symbol that represents us with resistance and resilience. It was borne out of the struggle of poor people inna di ghetto,” he continued.

The conversation was punctuated by a slew of his other hits, including Woman I Need You, Holding Firm, Words of Devine, Dem A Wonder, Like Mountains, and Rise to the Occasion. He exited the stage after an hour of non-stop hits and was given a resounding applause.

But, while patrons no doubt came to see the man of the moment, they also enjoyed a host of performances from up-and-coming reggae talents as well as the offspring of artistes who are now considered reggae royalty. The night’s other performances came from Lady Jazz, Shady Natural, Chris Malachi, Matthew Malcolm, Janeel Mills and others.

Christopher Ellis, son of the late Alton Ellis, as well as Jemere Morgan, son of Gramps Morgan of the reggae group Morgan Heritage, also turned in solid performances. Ellis, nicknamed The Singing Wizard, wooed the crowd with an eclectic mix of original tracks as well as songs written and performed by his late father. Rocksteady, I’m Still in Love, and Willow Tree were crowd favourites.

Jemere Morgan also represented for his bloodline as he performed original songs such as Try Jah Love, Troddin and Sweet Love. He also performed the Morgan Heritage hit Don’t Affi Dread. He dedicated that performance to his late uncle, Peetah Morgan, who died in February 2024.