Veteran reggae singer Richie Stephens introduced down the home at Jamaica Fest on Sunday, with a strong reside efficiency that captivated the capability crowd gathered at Veterans Plaza in downtown Silver Spring, Maryland.
Stephens pranced on stage with knee-high strides, like a 100-meter Olympic sprinter, and shortly received within the groove, treating followers to his wealthy catalog of hit songs that showcased his versatility throughout genres. From the sleek lovers’ rock ballads “A Lady’s Contact” and “Making an attempt to Get to You,” to uplifting anthems like “Winner” and “Reverse the Curse,” Stephens saved the viewers singing and dancing all through his set.
The efficiency reached an emotional excessive with soulful renditions of “Colour of Love” and “Statue of a Idiot,” earlier than he shifted gears right into a gospel medley that had the gang in a reward and worship temper. Together with his honeycomb voice sounding sweeter with every track, the musical onslaught continued with Monty Morris’ 1964 ska hit ‘A Little Extra Oil.’ He took the music-thirsty crowd additional down reminiscence lane with Prince Buster’s ‘Wings Of A Dove’, which made manner for the dancehall tinged ‘Weak point for Sweetness.’
The singer from Westmoreland had music lovers consuming out the palm of his arms earlier than closing with a stirring rendition of Sam Cooke’s 1964 hit “A Change is Gonna Come,” which reminded followers why he stays one among Jamaica’s most revered vocalists.
The annual Jamaica Fest occasion drew 2,000 plus households, music lovers, and members of the diaspora to downtown Silver Spring, together with the newly appointed Ambassador on the Embassy of Jamaica in Washington D.C., Main Normal (Ret’d) Antony Anderson, to rejoice Jamaican tradition with meals, arts, and reside leisure.
Previous to his look at Jamaica Fest, which was introduced partly by the Embassy of Jamaica in Washington, D.C., Richie made a cease at The Valley within the Bronx, New York Metropolis, the day earlier than, the place he carried out at an out of doors group occasion hosted by the Valley for Life Committee. In reflecting on his weekend of performances, Stephens expressed gratitude for the outpouring of help.
“It was an excellent weekend. I simply wish to take the time to present because of the Embassy of Jamaica in Washington for the chance to carry out at Jamaica Fest for the very first time and the Valley for Life Committee within the Bronx for internet hosting me at their occasion. I have to additionally thank the creator for his continued blessings in my life,” Stephens mentioned.
Stephens additionally took time to salute his selector on the Jamaica Fest occasion.
“Massive up DJ Hunter from Jamaica. Your first tour and also you mash up the place. I’m happy with you. And as soon as once more, love and respect to the plenty who turned out for each occasions.”
With a profession spanning many years, Richie Stephens’ potential to mix basic reggae and dancehall with Ska, gospel, and R&B continues to resonate with audiences worldwide — and Sunday’s efficiency proved as soon as once more that his voice is as highly effective as ever.
