Regardless of the sweltering warmth at Bayfront Park this previous weekend, the vitality was electrical because the Best of the Best concert returned to downtown Miami with a stacked lineup of Caribbean musical icons. The extremely anticipated occasion delivered memorable performances from the likes of Power Legislation, Marcia Griffiths, Nadine Sutherland, Romain Virgo, Wayne Surprise, Beres Hammond, and the legendary Buju Banton.
The annual celebration of reggae, dancehall, and soca noticed hundreds of followers flock to the park below the blazing Florida solar, able to revel within the rhythm of the Caribbean. Hosted by the colourful MC Noah Energy, with assist from DJ Calli, the present had its justifiable share of delays, however the hosts expertly stored the group engaged between band modifications.
One noticeable absence, nonetheless, was breakout dancehall star 450, who was billed to carry out however by no means hit the stage. His no-show was confirmed through the transition between Romain Virgo and Wayne Surprise’s units. 450 later took to Instagram with a cryptic message: “To my followers, I can’t be acting on Better of the Finest on account of circumstances past my and the promoters’ management.” No additional rationalization was supplied, leaving followers disenchanted however nonetheless in excessive spirits.
A shock spark got here from Skinny Fabulous, the lone soca consultant on the invoice, who delivered a brief however high-powered set that had patrons waving flags and dancing within the warmth. He paused to thank the viewers, saying, “Massive as much as all a you who got here out to assist Caribbean music. We run tings!”
The present pressed on with Wayne Surprise, who lifted the vitality with a vibrant medley of hits that had the group singing alongside to each phrase.
– Commercial –
Beres Hammond then graced the stage, bringing his signature easy vocals and timeless love songs that had {couples} swaying and followers singing in unison. His efficiency flowed seamlessly into the night’s grand finale.
That closing act was Buju Banton, whose look drew roaring cheers from a crowd longing for his commanding presence. His efficiency was elevated abruptly on-stage reunions with each Wayne Surprise and Nadine Sutherland, bringing nostalgic pleasure to followers. Sharing the highlight with Wayne Surprise for his or her duet ‘I don’t know why’, Buju declared, “It might be remiss of me to not have him on stage. Wayne, my brother!” — drawing one of many loudest ovations of the evening.
Whereas the general sentiment was certainly one of satisfaction, not all patrons had a flawless expertise. Some attendees within the common part raised issues about sound high quality.
“We may hardly hear something from the again. Undoubtedly not their finest present, however we’ll be again subsequent 12 months for positive,” one concertgoer shared.
After the ultimate observe rang out, the evening wrapped up with a bumper-to-bumper exodus, inflicting a site visitors jam that lasted properly over an hour—an unofficial encore to a day that celebrated the spirit, sound, and soul of the Caribbean.
