Photos: JERMAINE CRUICKSHANK
Reggae icon Sizzla Kalonji, born Miguel Collins, set the SoundForge ablaze with a spiritually charged and roots-rich performance at the One Love – Sizzla and Friends concert, hosted by Bush Magic Events and IslandVibesAgency. From the moment he graced the stage, unleashing a powerful medley of anthems like Show Us the Way, Suffer If They Don’t Hear, and Praise Ye Jah, the audience became a sea of uplifted hearts and voices, chanting in unity with the message-laden lyrics. The energy was just good vibrations and natural connection with the music . In a beautiful display of regional musical love and harmony, Sizzla welcomed Trinidadian pannist Opal Murrell onstage, delivering a mesmerizing fusion performance of Give Me a Try accompanied by sweet steelpan melodies.
The show, hosted seamlessly by Whitney Husbands, featured a dynamic lineup of local and regional talent including Jhallano, Black Royalty, Lion Twins, Revelation, Issy, T-Jane, Jalifa, Sound System XIXgon, Marlon Asher, and Umba. A standout moment came when singer Tennille Amor joined Sizzla onstage for a heartfelt performance of her unity anthem One Family, which they delivered in powerful harmony, leaving the crowd visibly moved. The local acts held their own with international-caliber performances that showcased not only artistry but deep cultural pride.
Beyond the music, Sizzla used his platform to deliver potent messages to the youth. “Stop the violence — it don’t work,” he implored, encouraging a shift toward agricultural aspects and food production, proudly noting that if you can export that’s good your exporting food that’s clean and we can export that.” He reminded the crowd that gun lyrics are reserved for sound clash culture only — and have no place in real-life action. “Cut it out, now,” he warned, to resounding applause. In a touching moment of gratitude, he also thanked Bunji Garlin and Fay-Ann Lyons for their support, with Bunji joining him onstage in a show of Caribbean unity. With the venue flowing in positive frequencies and love, it’s no surprise fans are already calling for the next edition of One Love – Sizzla and Friends.
