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Reggae Sunsplash pays (Nuff Respect) to Crown Prince Dennis Emmanuel Brown
BY MICHAEL THOMAS
Reggae Sunsplash made a massive return to the stage on Friday November 27th and 28th, and this time it went virtual.
Ever since plans began for the festival’s return, staging in St. Ann at the Grizzly’s Plantation Cove, the organizers announced a tribute to the crown prince of Reggae Mr. Dennis Emmanuel Brown.
This virtual event featured clips of Dennis Brown’s performances, messages from the artistes, and a twenty-minute set with performances from a number of his musical friends and a video from members of the Dennis Brown Family.
Executive producer Tyrone Wilson stated, “We had to salute the Crown Prince of Reggae Dennis Emmanuel Brown for this virtual staging.
Dennis helped shape Reggae Sunsplash, becoming one of the first performers at the festival in June 1978 when he joined headliner Jimmy Cliff, Third World, Inner Circle, and Toots and the Maytals.
He was an advocate for living life with love and unity. His ability to pull his musical peers on stage with him for an amazing set made the audience stand and watch him into the morning. That made him one of the most loved performers. We are pleased to acknowledge him this year.”
In response to the tribute Marla Brown, daughter of the late reggae and lover’s rock icon, said, “I am genuinely overjoyed and humbled that Reggae Sunsplash honored my father, The Late Great Dennis Emmanuel Brown CD, in this year’s celebration.
My father connected with music lovers on such a beautiful and organic scale through this platform and continues doing so through memories and his timeless musical content. Dad was one of the most anticipated performers of Reggae Sunsplash, and boy, he made everyone come alive upon his entrance and full show.
Thank you, Reggae Sunsplash, for acknowledging my father’s great work, and again, what an honour it is to witness this celebration during this time. His legacy truly shines on.”
The Dennis Brown tribute formed part of the Friday night experience. Dennis Brown was not called the crown prince of reggae for nothing. Almost every song he sang was a hit with the people, and he had an unusual way of delivering his songs with his exceptionally soulful voice reggae-style.
Bob Marley once called him his favourite singer. That is how good the crown prince was at his game. Turning out hits like (Money in My Pocket), (If I Had the World) and (How Could I Leave).
The night featured performances from: Ras-I, Tanya Stephens, Richie Stephens and Capleton.
Night two featured: Romain Virgo, Jesse Royal, Masicka, Agent Sasco and Dexta Daps.
Reggae Sunsplash was streamed live through the official YouTube page @goreggaesunsplash