Legendary reggae musician Stephen ‘Cat’ Coore was celebrated in style last Friday, February 20, at a tribute concert organized by the Ministry of Culture, Entertainment and Sports, following his sudden passing on January 18 at age 69.
Coore, co-founder of the iconic band Third World, was widely regarded as one of the architects of reggae’s global rise.
During the event, Minister of Culture, Entertainment and Sports Olivia Grange presented Kanna Coore with a framed citation for Third World’s Jamaica Music Icon Award, originally conferred in 2024 by Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness at the Jamaica 62 Independence Grand Gala. Minister Grange announced that each member of Third World will also receive a framed citation in recognition of their enduring contribution to Jamaican music.
The concert opened with a powerful drumming performance by Tony ‘Ruption’ Williams, Congo Billy, and Bongo Herman, paying homage to Jamaica’s musical ancestors. Young performers from the Voice Box Performing Arts Group energized the crowd with renditions of Dancing on the Floor and Now That We Found Love, reminiscent of Cathy Levy’s Little People and Teen Players.
The Alpha School of Music followed with Picture on the Wall, Don’t Stay Away, and Perfidia, while singer Charmaine Lemonius captivated audiences with People Get Ready, I Know, and A Song. Wayne Marshall delivered Lord I Pray, setting the stage for the Ruption Band, joined by Banky Banks from Anguilla, who noted Coore’s honorary citizenship on the island. Dean Fraser and Friends performed Always Around, before Maxi Priest thrilled the audience with Say a Prayer for the World and a high-energy rendition of Wild World.
Gramps Morgan offered heartfelt tributes through Down by the River and Wash the Tears, inviting Coore’s son, Shiah, onstage. He shared a personal reflection, recalling the loss of his own brother Peetah, and assured Shiah that the world will continue and that he will be all right. Morgan concluded with People Like You. Tarrus Riley followed with Lion Paw and Simple Blessings, turning the concert into a full reggae celebration.
An eight-member string ensemble featuring acoustic guitars, cello, and violins performed Dreamland to the delight of the crowd, followed by The Skatalites. The atmosphere grew electric as Minister Grange presented the Jamaica Music Icon Award to Coore, accepted by his widow, Lisa Coore.
The night culminated with New Third World, performing fan favorites including Reggae Ambassador and Now That We Found Love. Shiah Coore joined the band, performing 96 Degrees in the Shade and Try Jah Love, representing the next generation of reggae talent. The grand finale saw Damian ‘Junior Gong’ Marley take the stage, performing You’re Not the Only One, Shoot-Out, and Get Up Stand Up, bringing the crowd to a euphoric peak well past midnight.
The tribute highlighted not only Coore’s musical legacy but also the multigenerational impact of Third World, celebrating a life that shaped reggae music at home and abroad.
