Contributed by: CloverJ

In the golden eras of the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s, stage shows were not merely spectacles; they were gatherings of shared energy, where patrons and performers became one in an ecstatic union of rhythm and soul. To attend a stage show was not just to observe artistry but to become an integral thread in the fabric of a musical tapestry.

Back then, concertgoers would stand shoulder to shoulder, their voices a living orchestra that echoed every lyric, their movements a collective rhythm that breathed life into each performance. The artiste would drink deeply from this wellspring of energy and pour every ounce of their artistry into the show. It was this reciprocity, a communion between the creator and the crowd; that elevated reggae stage shows into experiences etched forever in the hearts of all who attended.

Today modern stage shows, despite their technological grandeur, have unintentionally suppressed the very essence that made reggae concerts unique.  At the heart of this is the VIP section; those acres of privileged land stationed at the forefront of the stage. Here, patrons are encouraged to sit, as if music was meant to be consumed passively, like a fine wine, rather than igniting an explosive, communal celebration of life and culture.  The performers, no longer met with electrifying cheers and raised hands but rather with stoic observers, are robbed of the vital energy they need to thrive;  the performance a fire doused prematurely; a spark extinguished. Beyond them lies the general admission section, an ocean of true fans stranded at a disheartening distance who, despite their enthusiasm, are relegated to the margins, too far removed to carry the weight of interaction, too distant to restore what has been muted and so, an artiste finds themselves marooned in a lifeless void, a chasm occupied by silent chairs and disengaged VIPs.  The soul of the event dissipates, leaving artistes and patrons alike questioning whether their attendance was worth the price of admission.

It is time we reclaim the spirit of reggae concerts. Let us reconsider the layout of our events. Move the general admission forward, closer to the stage where they belong—where their passion and voices can fuel the performers’ spirit and, in turn, awaken the collective energy of the gathering. Elevate the VIP section, providing them the prestige they desire but in a way that does not dampen the shared experience of the masses.

Reggae has always been more than just notes and lyrics it is a spiritual vibration, a force that unites hearts and souls. When the audience stands united in song, they become more than spectators, they become a part of the performance, a living orchestra that empowers the artist. And through that intimacy, we reclaim what modernity has stifled: the vibrant, unbreakable bond between the stage and the spirit of the people.

It is time to bring the energy back to our reggae shows. Let the music flow freely between artist and audience, unencumbered and unseated. Let the echo of our collective voices ripple across the stage, restoring the magic and the movement to the place where reggae reigns supreme.