Barbados Reggae Weekend honours Peetah Morgan

Late lead singer of Morgan Heritage Peter 'Peetah' Morgan was honoured on Sunday at one of the Barbados Reggae Weekend events.

The event, dubbed Reggae in the Gardens, saw performances from headliner UB40 and Ali Campbell, Queen Ifrica, Ghost, Masicka, Tessanne Chin and Morgan Heritage. The group's new lead, Peetah's nephew Jemere, told THE STAR that the occasion was very special to him as it marked the first official musical tribute to his uncle.

"My uncle's [spirit] was so present during that show because I remember one a di time we were having a little technical issue and the 'keysie' had to go acoustic and I didn't realise I know the words without the stem and the track behind and everybody singing, and the words just come outta mi mouth. Suh it mek mi realise he was present with us. It was a very special moment last night," he shared. Jemere highlighted that the renditions brought patrons to tears and he was also moved but managed to remain strong in fighting back his tears.

The event also saw performances from fellow Jamaicans such as Romain Virgo, Jahshii, and Chronic Law to whom Jemere expressed great gratitude.

Barbados Reggae Weekend launched in full veteran style on April 26 with the Legends of Reggae concert featuring artistes such as Eric Donaldson, Pinchers, Admiral Tibet and Sanchez. The musical fiesta also pulled out some of the Bajans very own cast of legendary performers. The Reggae Showdown, which was held on April 27, saw a slew of performances from a mix of acts such as reggae heavyweight Sizzla and Barbados' Brutal Crankstar. The curtains were brought down on April 29 with Reggae Wavez - The Cruise, on MC Buccaneer and MC Inspire.

Jemere credits his family and the Morgan Heritage members for their tremendous support upon acquiring his new role, and he promised to continue delivering on his uncle's unique mantra.

"They are very supportive more than anything, just making me understand the task at hand and the mission and just the responsibility as the next generation. And like when you're called upon, we must come do Jah works. While you're on this Earth, just 'do Jah work and be remembered' - those were the words of my uncle," said the passionate singjay.

"I'm looking forward to touring and doing more performances with the family because we're ready as a family to carry on this mission because that is what uncle Peetah would want us to do," he added.

Peetah died in February. The group which originally consisted of Peetah and his four siblings: Una Morgan, Roy 'Gramps' Morgan, Nakhamyah 'Lukes' Morgan, and Memmalatel 'Mr Mojo' Morgan, was formed in 1994. In 2016, the band won the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album for their Strictly Roots album. The band is known for several global hits such as Down by the River, She's Still Loving Me and Don't Haffi Dread.