Star-studded lineup and surprise guests, including Buju Banton, Beres Hammond, and the Marley brothers, unite for 'Marcia Griffiths & Friends' event
Buju Banton honored Marcia Griffiths on stage ((Photo: Ashanie Braham)
With a star-studded lineup and surprise guests, the Queen of Reggae, Marcia Griffiths, celebrated 60 remarkable years in music at the highly anticipated event, Marcia Griffiths & Friends, held on Sunday, November 3rd, at Hope Gardens in Kingston.
As promised, Marcia Griffiths welcomed an impressive lineup of acclaimed Jamaican artists, including Shaggy, Busy Signal, Tanya Stephens, Skip Marley, Cutty Ranks, Alaine, Tessanne Chin, Brick & Lace, Nadine Sutherland, Tony Gregory, Duane Stephenson, Ras Shiloh, Lady G, and Beenie Man, each gracing the stage to honor the Queen of Reggae.
Marcia Griffiths sharing moments with Tanya Stephens (Photo: Ashanie Braham)
Marcia took the audience on a journey through her musical legacy, from the 1960s to the 2000s, seamlessly moving through each era. Along the way, she was joined by friends and fellow artists she collaborated with over the years, creating timeless hits together.
The night reached new heights when surprise guests like Beres Hammond, Buju Banton, Tarrus Riley, Damian Marley, and Stephen Marley took the stage, thrilling the audience and filling the atmosphere with pure joy. The evening’s music was provided by the Jamaican All Star Band, led by the legendary Dean Fraser, making it an unforgettable celebration of Marcia’s extraordinary 60-year legacy.
"It was just one beautiful manifestation, a divine order. I am so honoured. I want to thank those who shared the diamond journey and the friends and family that turned out to support me, that braved the weather and that had a good time. It was a beautiful, awesome feeling. They didn’t have to do it and they did. Soul touching that’s what it was", shared Marcia Griffiths.
The Queen of Reggae chuckled as she expressed her elation at seeing Buju Banton on stage, sharing how much it meant to her to celebrate such a milestone. “I didn’t know he would make it back from his trip. So when I saw him take the stage and when he said ‘You tink me was gwehh let yuh dung eeh?' I was so happy to have him there.”
L-R: Busy Signal, Damian Marley, Tarrus Riley, Beres Hammond, Tanya Stephens and Shaggy (Photo: Ashanie Braham)
Patrons described seeing Beres, Buju, and Marcia together on stage as phenomenal and a powerful moment for reggae music. The packed venue buzzed with praise for the lineup, production, and standout performances.
Produced and promoted by Solid Agency Company and Burke Bodley Limited, Marcia Griffiths & Friends exceeded all expectations. Hosted by Marcia herself, with emcee support from Tommy Cowan and Judith Bodley, the show was backed by a medley of iconic Jamaican brands like Appleton Estate, Wisynco – Coca Cola, Wata, Sparkling Cranwata, and Tru-Juice. KFC, Pizza Hut, Tastee, IPrint Group, Select Brands, Kendel, HIC, VP Records, Heather Laine, From Thought to Finish, and Ranch Entertainment also lent their support, making this celebration of the Queen of Reggae truly remarkable.
