Having made his mark as a music producer and disc jock/selector, Richard “Richie D” Martin has thrown his hands into concert promotion.

Known for his Chill parties in South Florida and Jamaica, Martin will on Valentine’s Day stage the first Love and Reggae concert.

It takes place on the lawns of Devon House in St Andrew with headliners Sanchez and Wayne Wonder.

The 2024 Digicel Rising Star winner Akeem Fennell is the opening act.

In an interview with the Jamaica Observer, Richie D said the concert was initially to be held late last year.

“This event has actually been in development since late last year and was originally slated for December. After careful consideration, we decided to move it to a date that felt more fitting. With two legendary artistes whose music celebrate love and romance, Valentine’s Day became the perfect and most natural choice to bring this vision to life,” said Richie D.

Martin, who wrote and produced Lady Saw’s Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Songs charting single I’ve Got Your Man, shared why Sanchez and Wayne Wonder were considered for the staging of the event.

“There were two key reasons, first, I’ve shared a long-standing professional relationship and genuine friendship with both artistes, which made the decision seamless. Secondly, it was brought to my attention that Sanchez and Wayne Wonder have not shared a stage together — just the two of them — in well over a decade. Both artistes are timeless favourites, especially among female fans, and their catalogues are filled with love anthems. There truly couldn’t be a better pairing to headline a Valentine’s Day celebration,” Richie D shared.

He added: “Our goal is not just to present a concert, but to create a complete experience — one that allows patrons to escape, reconnect, and fall in love with reggae all over again this Valentine’s Day.”

Both Wayne Wonder and Sanchez will be performing with their respective bands. DJ Master ROGJ will provide recorded music, while Bambino and Jade will host the event.

Martin emerged on the musical scene in the late 1990s. Among his best-known productions is the hit rhythm Faith, which featured Tony Curtis’s version of George Michael’s Faith and Hawkeye’s Ooh Ha Ha. His other hits include Sweet Lady by Tony Curtis, Punkie by Sean Paul, Tanto Metro and Devonte’s
Teaser, Bounty Killer’s The Greatest, Brian and Tony Gold’s Must Be a Sign, and Delly Ranx’s What a Gal Can Wine.

Part proceeds from the staging of Love and Reggae will go towards Hurricane Melissa relief.

Sanchez