4 weeks ago
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Reggae took centre stage in Grand Cayman last Friday night as Jamaican headliners Ce’cile, Etana, Richie Spice, and Glen Washington joined local talent for the second staging of Lover’s Rock Cayman. Held at the Lions Centre and sponsored by the Ministry of Tourism and Ports, The Best Dressed Chicken, and other key partners, the event was billed as a cultural bridge between Cayman and Jamaica, drawing strong support from both the local community and the diaspora.
“Cayman has long appreciated reggae, but we wanted to elevate that appreciation into a world-class experience,” said Raheem Robinson, the event’s director. “By bringing reggae to centre stage in a luxurious island setting, we’re not only honouring its roots but also using it as a vehicle to empower youth, promote culture, and strengthen regional identity. It’s about creating a space where heritage meets celebration. As someone who’s both Jamaican and Caymanian, it was important to create a space where both identities could meet on stage.”
Titled The Gift of Love, the concert opened with local acts who set the tone for an evening rooted in Caribbean rhythm and connection. The event was also streamed live on the Lover’s Rock website and YouTube, with rising reggae artiste King Diel and Miss Universe Cayman Islands 2020, Mariah Tibbetts, serving as hosts.
The night opened with emerging talent, including students from John Gray High School, Slicky Smood from Clarendon, and Xosia, daughter of reggae legend Freddy McGregor. Their performances blended roots reggae, soul, and modern fusion, signalling both the future of the genre and its deep regional roots.
Ce’cile was the first headliner to take the stage, performing fan favourites including I’m Waiting, which sparked immediate singalongs. Her delivery was bold and engaging, interacting freely with the audience. Cheater’s Prayer resonated particularly with female fans, while Anything (Cook Fi Yuh) blended her characteristic dancehall flair with humour, prompting laughter and applause. Her set laid a vibrant foundation for the evening.
Etana followed, bringing a more soulful and introspective energy. Accompanied by the High Symbol Band, she delivered a stirring rendition of I Rise. During My Man, couples in the crowd cheered and sang along. Her cover of Weakness in Me struck an emotional chord, with some patrons visibly moved – eyes closed, voices low, phones in the air.
Richie Spice then elevated the tempo, launching into his iconic Brown Skin. The crowd’s energy surged as he moved into Groovin’ My Girl, delivering sweet melodies with his signature raspy vocals. His rendition of Earth A Run Red became a peak moment – soaring chorus vocals from the crowd compelled him to pause and listen.
To close the night, Glen Washington delivered a soulful and reflective performance with his band State of Energy. He opened with Kindness for Weakness, and his smooth vocal delivery and laid-back demeanour created a calming close to the night’s journey. If Loving You Is Wrong and Consider Me had the audience swaying gently, singing in unison. Washington’s performance was a fitting conclusion to an evening rooted in love, unity, and Caribbean pride.
“This concert is one of a kind in Cayman,” said Yanique Smith Varona, a Jamaican living in Cayman “Not often do we get to experience this calibre of music and artistes. I had to come out and enjoy it,” she added.
English (US) ·