The inaugural Love Jamaica Music and Food Festival held in Kingston on November 23 featured stellar performances by Rising Stars winner Akeem Fennell, vocal powerhouse LUST, the iconic R&B singer Joe, reggae legend Sanchez, and the timeless harmonies of The Manhattans.
Among the highlights of the evening were soulful R&B star Joe and Jamaica’s beloved vocal group LUST, both of whom left the crowd thoroughly entertained with their musical mastery.
Taking the stage later in the night, Joe proved why his name remains synonymous with smooth R&B excellence. Opening with his classic hit Don’t Wanna Be a Player No More, he effortlessly captivated the audience with his velvety vocals and charismatic presence. Fans swayed and sang along as he performed hits like Ride Wit You, Make It Last Forever, and the beloved I Wanna Know. One of the night’s most memorable moments came when Joe paid tribute to reggae legend Gregory Isaacs with a soulful rendition of Night Nurse, drawing cheers from the crowd and the approval of June Isaacs, Gregory’s widow.
Joe kept the energy high throughout his hour-long set, sprinkling in playful banter to connect with his fans. He praised Dawn Penn’s No, No, No as “one of the sexiest tunes ever” and joked, “Joe is here for a good time, not a long time,” before closing with I Wanna Know, leaving the audience clamoring for more.
Earlier in the evening, LUST—featuring Lukie D, Tony Curtis, and Singing Melody—delivered an electrifying performance that showcased their exceptional harmonies and signature humor. Despite the absence of group member Thriller U, who was snowed in overseas, the trio kept the crowd laughing and singing with their camaraderie and musical prowess. They opened with a gospel medley, including What a Mighty God We Serve and By the Rivers of Babylon, before transitioning into a mix of crowd favorites like Your Goodness Is Running After Me, Love Should Have Brought You Home, and Shower Me With Your Love.
Their set also included heartfelt ballads, with Lukie D serenading fans with a stunning rendition of Just a Matter of Time. Between songs, the group’s banter added an extra layer of entertainment, with jokes about tight pants and rhinestone outfits keeping the crowd amused.
With Joe’s soulful serenades and LUST’s dynamic performance, the Love Jamaica Music and Food Festival delivered a night of world-class music and entertainment, setting the bar high for what promises to be an annual celebration. Fans were treated to an evening that perfectly blended local talent with international flair, making this debut event a resounding success.
