The Tribute to the Legends of Reggae: Bob Marley Edition, held on October 25 at the Living Arts Centre in Mississauga, was an electrifying homage to the spirit and sound of reggae’s beloved icon, Bob Marley. Presented by Jones & Jones, this live musical “rockumentary” brought together some of Canada’s finest reggae and soul artists to honor Marley’s legacy with a powerful blend of live music, storytelling, and community connection.
The evening began on a high note with Justice Kumari’s energizing renditions of ‘Iron Lion Zion’, ‘Africa Unite’, and ‘Exodus’, infusing the audience with energy as they immersed themselves in the music’s soul-stirring roots. Omega Mighty followed with standout performances of ‘Buffalo Soldier’ and ‘Could You Be Loved’, seamlessly drawing the crowd into a chorus of unified voices and Afrocentric dance moves, which added a memorable visual element to the set.
A highlight of the night was the captivating performance by Ammoye, who stepped onstage in a striking silver-and-black outfit and launched into ‘Jamming’. Her soulful take on ‘Is This Love’, combined with her signature flair, delivered a perfect balance between Marley’s roots and her own dynamic interpretation. Her closing rendition of ‘Turn the Lights Down Low’ brought the audience to their feet, solidifying her reputation as a powerful voice in Canadian reggae.
The second half of the show kicked off with Sean Jones, whose soulful approach to ‘I Shot the Sheriff’ and ‘Waiting in Vain’ offered a seamless fusion of reggae and R&B, underscoring the versatility and depth of Marley’s music. The band—comprised of some of the most skilled reggae musicians from the GTA—maintained a steady pulse, delivering Marley’s intricate arrangements with finesse and soul, while Jones’ closing songs, ‘Satisfy My Soul’ and ‘Redemption Song’, left the audience mesmerized.
MC Bondé’s skillful hosting between performances, filled with light-hearted quips and insights, added warmth and cohesion to the night. The show culminated with Steele’s powerful set, which began with ‘Get Up, Stand Up’ and concluded with ‘One Love’, leaving the audience fully immersed in the unifying power of Marley’s message. His deeply felt performance of ‘Slave Driver’ was a particular highlight, capturing both the pain and resilience central to Marley’s work.
Overall, Tribute to the Legends of Reggae: Bob Marley Edition was a memorable celebration of Bob Marley’s timeless impact, combining top Canadian talent with a palpable sense of reverence and joy. As each performer brought new life to Marley’s classics, the night underscored how his music continues to inspire and connect generations across cultures.
