ST ANN, Jamaica — The Intimate experience was one for the record books as the show delivered on all fronts as thousands rang in the New Year in style at Grizzly’s Plantation Cove in St Ann.

The highly-anticipated event, even with its setbacks, had the audience in a frenzied mood from start to finish. Concert-goers were treated to jaw-dropping and emotional performances led by two of Reggae’s best – Beres Hammond and Buju Banton.

The Grizzly’s Plantation Cove audience was treated to a barrage of oldies from the stellar lineup that was headed by Hammond and Banton, and also included Marcia Griffiths, L.U.S.T and several other household names.

To say the turnout for the event was immense would be an understatement as to get to the venue was a task in and of itself. Vehicles clogged the thoroughfare leading to the event site, causing long traffic delays for patrons heading to the venue. Concert-goers though frustrated did not let this deter them from enjoying the spectacle that promised to be an unforgettable experience.

Reggae singer Mitch opened the concert and was followed by ‘feelings’ singer Dyani who made sure to set the vibes for what was to come in the latter hours. The two also foreshadowed what was to come as it pertained to fashion as all acts came out decked in their formal wear.

Veterans Nitty Kutchie and L.U.S.T promptly followed and had members of the audience singing along to their hits of yesteryear.

The Queen of Reggae, Marcia Griffiths was well received when she elegantly entered the stage singing her monster hits, Electric Boogie, I Shall Sing and several more of her most recognisable songs in her immense catalogue. The 73- year-old was deservedly recognised for her longevity and contribution to reggae music when she was presented with the 2023 Living Legend Award by Red Stripe.

The inaugural award was presented to the former backup singer for Bob Marley and the Wailers as a member of the I-Threes which included Judy Mowatt and Marley’s wife, Rita Marley.

After her set and in a beautiful spectacle, the veteran was made to bask in the heart-warming moment after receiving an outpouring of love from patrons.

In another beautiful moment, Griffiths brought out her son to sing along with her, leaving the audience in awe.

Tarrus Riley continued this trend in a tear-jerking tribute to his late father Jimmy Riley when he brought out his 12-year-old son to support him on guitar. Many fans were rightly moved by the touching display and it was described as one of the highlights of the concert with one fan commenting, “Tarrus Riley and his son almost brought me to tears.”

Riley, visibly emotional, said that this was his first ever time bringing out his son live on stage. His performance only whetted the appetite of a crowd hungry for Beres and Buju, and their subsequent performances definitely delivered.

Buju and Beres graced the stage together and fans definitely got their money’s worth as the two individually and collectively provided memorable performances.

The atmosphere changed when Beres emerged from backstage. His soulful performances had the audience begging for more at times and the charismatic and sweet-talking stalwart oozed class throughout his set delivering hit after hit.

His performance could not have been more complete but then the soulful singer brought it up a notch when he called dancehall superstar Popcaan on stage.

Grizzly’s Plantation Cove erupted when Popcaan made the surprise cameo and the audience couldn’t have been more appreciative. The two performed their hit, God is Love – just liked they did at the recent Burna Boy concert at the National Stadium. Aon that occasion it was Popcaan who called Beres to the stage. Like they did at the national stadium, they once more delivered another soulful performance in their brief cameo together at Grizzly’s, the audience happily singing along.

Mark’ Buju Banton’ Myrie closed off the Intimate concert with a bang with his customary energetic performance. The ‘Gargamel’ turned back the years with an unforgettable performance that had the audience singing his hits word for word.

The 49- year-old proved his chemistry during his set when he and the likes of Beres and Gramps Morgan teamed up to thrill the thousands that traversed hours and miles to witness the long-awaited spectacle.

At the culmination of Intimate, the two headliners – Hammond and Buju Banton were also awarded Living Legend awards by beer company, Red Stripe.

They were awarded plaques by the beer company for their decades of service to the music fraternity closing out what proved to be a stellar event.