Dennis Emmanuel Brown was honoured in regal fashion on Saturday in a celebration befitting that of a true Crown Prince of reggae
Not even a last-minute change of venue could dampen the mood as scores of well-known industry players flocked the grounds of Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts on what would have been the musical giant’s 68th birthday.
From the likes of veterans Boris Gardiner and Errol Dunkley to young talents Akeen Fennell and Kevoy Clarke, the evening featured strong sets, with each guest performer offering up a rendition of their favourite track from Brown’s soulful music catalogue.
Love Has Found Its Way, Silhouette, Money in My Pocket, Here I Come, Queen Majesty, If I Follow My Heart, Ain’t That Loving You, For You, Revolution, Easy Take It Easy, and Wild Fire were among some of the songs performed.
As they were transported down memory lane, guests danced up a storm, with organisers encouraging the party atmosphere.
Outlining that the late reggae legend would be pleased with the support, organisers thanked the audience for turning out to pay their respects to Brown and his immense cultural contributions, proving that decades after his passing his legacy is still as strong as ever.
Among the slew of performers was Brown’s daughter, Marla. Backed by Lloyd Parkes and We the People Band — the same outfit that toured extensively with her father — she served up a rendition of the hit single, Queen Majesty.
Taking the time to express gratitude on behalf of her family, Marla said she continues to be heartened by the outpouring of love and support the local entertainment fraternity has for her late father.
“I feel really content and filled with love. It’s always really nice for me to see everyone come out in their numbers and just be in awe of dad’s catalogue. I’m based in the UK, and so it’s always nice to come home and reconnect with everybody and celebrate my dad,” she said told the Jamaica Observer’s Splash in a post-show interview.
“Dad’s energy and spirit is everywhere in Jamaica. Everyone knows when it’s his birthday and everyone celebrates in their own way. Dad’s legacy is ever-living, ever faithful, ever strong,” she said.
The night saw performances which lasted from 7:00 pm until minutes past midnight and the majority of Brown’s catalogue still remained untouched.
In addition to Gardiner, Dunkley, Clarke, and Fennell, there were performances from Christopher Ellis (son of the late Alton Ellis), Dehdeh Blacks, Richie Stephens, Anthony Cruz, Chino McGregor (son of Freddie McGregor), Benjy Myaz, Glen Ricks, Ishabelle, and more.
The tribute concert to the Crown Prince was the first live event to be held for Reggae Month 2025. There are several other concerts scheduled to take place over the next few weeks as industry players recognise the genre’s contribution to the development of Jamaica’s cultural legacy.