The NJ Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) was transformed into a sanctuary for reggae and dancehall on Saturday night as Lovers Rock king Beres Hammond and his friends delivered a concert that will be remembered as a ‘musical moment in time.’
The first of two sold-out shows drew just over 2,800 fans who were treated to an evening of timeless classics, tributes, and high-energy performances.
Fast-rising singer Lady Da Flame set the tone for the night with a short but scintillating set, highlighted by a Phyllis Dillon tribute featuring hits ‘Perfidia’ and ‘Win or Lose.’ She closed with a moving rendition of the gospel favourite ‘Goodness of God,’ drawing warm applause from the early arrivals.
The legendary Marcia Griffiths, Jamaica’s “Queen of Reggae,” then graced the stage, immediately captivating the audience with ‘Play Your Favourite Song’ and ‘Give Love a Try.’ Her set – balanced with passion and nostalgia – was warmly received as she delivered ‘Dreamland,’ ‘Fire Burning,’ and a touching duet of ‘All My Life’ that was originally recorded with Daville but sung at the NJPAC with her son Taf aka Tafari Thompson. Griffiths dug deep into her catalog with Studio One staples ‘Truly’ and ‘Feel Like Jumping’, before paying homage to legends—Toots Hibbert with ’54-46 That’s My Number’ and Bob Marley with ‘Buffalo Soldier’ and ‘Redemption Song.’ The set reached its peak when the Queen closed with her chart-topping anthem ‘Electric Boogie,’ igniting a wave of “Electric Slide” dancers in the aisles.
Griffiths’ performance was a reminder of her rich legacy, from her breakout with Bob Andy on ‘Young, Gifted and Black’ To her global success with Marley and the Wailers as a member of the I-Threes.
The tempo shifted as Cham brought dancehall to the fore with hits like ‘Another Level’ (originally recorded with Bounty Killer), Joy Ride, ‘Que Sera’ and ‘Many Many’, before closing with the ‘Ghetto Story’. His set injected raw energy, preparing fans for the night’s headliner.
Actor and singer Leon followed, serenading the audience with ‘I See It in You,’ made famous by Freddie McGregor, backed by Hammond’s Harmony House band.
Finally, it was time for the “Boss.” At 10:30 p.m., Beres stepped into the spotlight, launching into his signature ‘Rise and Shine’, and wasted no time reminding fans why he remains reggae’s ultimate storyteller. His set was a seamless journey through love, resilience, and passion—’I Can’t Say Goodbye,’ ‘Come Back Home,’ ‘Step Aside,’ ‘Tempted to Touch’, ‘Golden Touch’, and ‘Falling in Love’, each delivered with his trademark honeycomb voice.
The Harmony House band, in perfect sync with their leader, powered through ‘Confrontation’, ‘Putting Up Resistance’,and ‘What One Dance Can Do.’
“Glad say I was born in Jamaica,” he told the roaring crowd, as he offered heartfelt thanks for the love he was receiving.
The hits kept flowing—’I Wish’, ‘No Disturb Sign’ – his mainstream label debut single on Eleka Records – ‘Love Means Never to Say I’m Sorry’, ‘Feel Good,’ and ‘Full Attention.’ The enthralled fans at the NJPAC – which one patron called the ‘Beres Hammond Mass Choir’ – joined the lovers rock king on ‘No Disrespect’ and ‘Tempted to Touch’, lifting the performance to another level. As the evening reached its climax, Hammond brought the audience to their feet with ‘Love from a Distance’, ‘Hit on Every Corner’, ‘Let Them Talk’, and the grand finale ‘Rockaway.’
“This is a night I will never forget,” Hammond confessed, visibly moved by the sea of love flowing from the sold-out crowd.
The evening proved more than just a concert—it was a testament to the talent of Beres, Marcia and Cham and the enduring power of reggae music.
