Performing at the recent Bob Marley 81st birthday celebration at Panama City in Panama a few weeks ago, was a great experience for emerging reggae artiste Tuffheart.

“It was a special celebration honouring the life, the legacy and the works of the king of reggae. People from all walks of life came out in their numbers and it was an honour and pleasure for me to have been able to share the stage, while witnessing hundreds listening to Bob Marley’s message of peace and one love,” Tuffheart told Observer Online on the weekend.

The performance lineup featured several reggae and roots acts from across the world as well as Jamaican acts Hezron, Ras-I, Christopher Ellis, Runkus and others.

“It was powerful to see Jamaican culture reach so far internationally and the crowd really appreciate the roots sound,” said Tuffheart.

Tuffheart, who shared that he performed for close to 45 minutes, said his set carried a message of faith, strength and upliftment, similar to what Marley stood for.

His set list included songs such as Oh Girls, Give Thanks and Praise Di King.

While in Panama, Tuffheart and his team utilised the opportunity to network and to expose his music to a new audience. He even did interviews with radio and television stations, while performing to intimate audiences.

“While in Panama, we made the most of the opportunity. The love from the people was incredible. Panama showed us that reggae music truly has no borders and that Bob Marley’s message is still alive and it reaches people all over the world,” he said.

The reggae artiste has plans to return to Panama in April and May.

On the local scene, he is gearing up for performances at Ocho Rios Kite Festival on April 3 and St Mary Kite Festival on April 5.

He will then head to the United States for confirmed dates in Austin, Texas, Minneapolis and Wisconsin.