Beres Hammond shines at sold-out New Jersey show with Marcia Griffiths & Cham

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.