Singer Richie Stephens shares lens time backstage at Insurgent Salute 2024 with Particular Ok of I-Land Vybzz TV (left) and Karen Belgrave.
Photograph by Sheldon Cross
Insurgent Salute 2024 is now within the historical past books. The live performance, which started as an occasion to commemorate the birthday of singer/promoter Tony Insurgent 30 years in the past, is now a must-attend live performance that may be a staple on the stay music calendar in Jamaica.
Anthony Turner, the New York-based Jamaican leisure publicist, informed Caribbean Life on Tuesday that, among the many performers this yr had been: Third World, Sean Paul, Etana, Richie Stephens, Sanchez, Capleton, I-Wayne, Anthony B, Mikey Spice, Luciano and Queen Ifrica.
“In 2017, New York confirmed its appreciation for the competition with a proclamation from State Sen. Leroy Comrie for the live performance’s contribution to the preservation of reggae music globally,” Turner stated.
Jamaican TV host Particular Ok, whose actual title in Kay Frith, of I-Land Vybzz TV, a web-based station, who was in Jamaica this yr to attend the competition, informed Caribbean Life that “moments after delivering a scintillating efficiency, singer Richie Stephens expressed gratitude to Tony Insurgent and his group for producing a profitable occasion.”
“While you began this occasion Insurgent, you stated you didn’t need meat or alcohol to be bought,” the Jamaica, Queens-based Particular Ok quoted Richie Stephens as saying. “30 years later, you could have remained agency and resolute in your conviction and, for that, we should huge you up.
“I do know it’s not simple to placed on an occasion of this magnitude, however you could have stayed the course and deserve all of the blessing coming your means,” Stephens added. “This live performance is one in every of our most useful musical exports, bringing in followers for all components of the globe.
“The performances are strong, and the general vibe and presentation is second to none,” he continued. “Now we have to discover a strategy to protect the competition by any means crucial, because it represents one of the best of our Jamaican music and our tradition.”
Stephens, who’s celebrating 40 years within the music business, additionally talked about his efficiency, telling Caribbean Life, “I’ve been on the Insurgent Salute stage 4 occasions in whole. I carried out twice when the occasion was held at Fort Kaiser in St. Elizabeth (Jamaica). Final yr, I made a cameo as a visitor of Sanchez, and, this yr, I carried out on my own.”
Requested about what was particular about his 2024 efficiency the singer stated, “I ready my set and added one thing particular for the 30th anniversary celebration.
“The loud cheers from followers stated all of it,” he added. “After I got here on stage, patrons had been sitting. however they acquired up and sang and danced for the complete efficiency.”
Stephens stated his basic hit, “Struggle Again,” “generated pleasure” whereas his new single, “Stature of a Idiot,” “struck a responsive chord.”
As well as, he stated “Loving So Candy, Nothing Can Go Spherical It” earned “rapturous applause.”
“The gospel medley topped a strong efficiency,” Stephens stated.
Moreover, the singer shared, “In terms of music, we’re all the time working, all the time writing and producing songs.
“I discover solace in music,” he disclosed. “I really feel excellent inside myself when I’m singing or within the studio working.
“That is my fortieth anniversary in music this yr, and I’ve quite a lot of nice issues in retailer,” Stephens assured.
