Intimate Concert JA 2025
Beres Hammond, Marcia Griffiths and Buju Banton; all recorded with the Penthouse Label in the early 90s
This concert series could be called “Reunion”, as three of the headlining acts: Beres Hammond, Marcia Griffiths and Buju Banton; all recorded with the Penthouse Label in the early 90s. In fact, it could be argued that, the camaraderie between those three acts helped to revitalize Marcia Griffiths career, launched Beres Hammond’s superstar arc and legitimize an otherwise hardcore career of Buju Banton. Under the production, and direction of Penthouse label head, Donavan Germaine, they released some of the best loved songs of their combined catalogue: Marcia Griffths “I Shall Sing”, “Live On” with Beres Hammond and “Closer To You” with Buju Banton; Beres Hammond “Tempted To Touch”, “Who Say” and “Honey Comb” both with Buju Banton; Buju Banton “Champion”, “Moving”, “Untold Stories”, “My Woman Now”, “Pull It Up” the last two with Beres Hammond – most of which was done within a three year period in the early to to mid 90s.
Ever since his release from the US federal penitenary system, Buju Banton has made all the right moves in order to ingratiate himself with his fanbase, possibly to atone for his time away from the limelight. Intimate from its inception was created in order to give local fans an experience similar to what was required by festivals overseas. So it was wise for Buju Banton to work consistently with his former label mates/mentors more than 30 years later to help deliver a product not often executed in Jamaica. Held at in St. Ann, in an effort to appease an audience located in and around the northcoast that usually has to trek to the capital for a show of this magnitude and to try to entice people to book their trips to the one of the many hotels, villas or Airbnbs for the first week of the new year to come out to enjoy one of the best representation of Jamaican music and culture.
On the night, Intimate was well patronized by thousands upon thousands. All who were treated to special performances by all who graced the stage: Nitty Kutchie, Peter Metro, Wickerman, General B, Richie Feelings, I- Wayne, Bugle, Wayne Wonder and Romain Virgo all provided more than adequate support for the aforementioned top three. It is still very unfortunate proper locations for large stageshows still cannot be acquired in Jamaica. Locations that ticks all the boxes – size, ambiance, distance from homeowners and proximity to highways or fast tracks. Until that happens then that puts a cap on the level of artistry paying stage show attendees can expect in the near future.
All photos done by Gladstone Taylor
About Author
