On Saturday, February 8th, Lee’s Palace pulsed with electrifying energy as fans braved a relentless snowstorm to celebrate Bob Marley’s 80th birthday. Toronto’s longest-running Bob Marley Tribute, now in its 19th year, once again proved that Marley’s music continues to unite and inspire. Hosted by NuFunk Concerts and Dubwise Canada, the night was a spectacular fusion of music, love, and positive vibrations—an unforgettable homage to the reggae legend.
Before the stage show even began, attendees were immersed in the Marley experience. Jay NuFunk & Pressure Drop Selectors set the mood with a vinyl set featuring classic Wailers 45s, creating an atmosphere thick with anticipation. The night officially kicked off with a stirring spoken-word performance by Bobo Julius, whose powerful words about Jamaica’s identity and its deep connection to Marley’s legacy resonated with the crowd, drawing cheers of appreciation.
One of the night’s most magical moments came unexpectedly. An acoustic rendition of “Redemption Song” was set to open the show, but a last-minute microphone issue left Reggaddiction’s lead singer stuck backstage. Without missing a beat, the audience instinctively took over, singing the lyrics in perfect harmony—a spontaneous and deeply moving tribute to Marley’s enduring spirit.
Reggaddiction, one of Canada’s premier reggae bands, then took the stage, igniting the crowd with their lush instrumentation and five-part harmony vocals. Vocalist David Matthews (DM) and guitarist Jay Cleary were joined by percussionist Kevin Howe, bassist Neil “Nemo” Morris, Sing-Jay Sunray Grennan, keyboardists Sam Weller and Todd Britton, saxophonist Graeme Hambleton, trombonist RJ, and drummer Oz, assembling a powerhouse lineup.
The show launched into high gear with SunRay leading “Lively Up Yourself,” setting an infectious groove that had the audience moving. Tash Lorayne and Toya Monique then joined DM for a spirited rendition of “Who the Cap Fit,” with their harmonies paying homage to Marley’s iconic backing vocalists, the I-Threes. Their performance of Bunny Wailer’s “Dreamland” was so captivating it earned the night’s first REWIND! —a testament to their seamless blend of precision and soul.
Toya Monique’s rendition of “Iron Lion Zion” was a showstopper. Her dynamic stage presence and powerful vocals breathed new life into the classic, while Tash Lorayne’s beautifully nuanced take on “Is This Love” created an intimate, heartfelt moment. Meanwhile, David Matthews delivered Marley’s biggest anthems— “Natural Mystic,” “One Love,” “Three Little Birds,” and “No Woman No Cry”—with passion and precision. He also infused a dancehall energy into “Soul Rebel” and masterfully blended John Legend’s “Ordinary People” and Junior Kelly’s “If Love’s So Nice” into “Waiting in Vain.”
Juno Award winner Kairo McLean closed the first set with a fiery rendition of “Exodus,” seamlessly weaving in elements of “Two Silhouettes on the Shade” and “Careless Whisper” into “One Drop.” During the break, Pressure Drop Selectors kept the vibe alive with deep cuts, even overcoming a technical issue that left them DJing on a single turntable—an homage to reggae’s sound system roots.
The second set opened with reggae veteran Papa Levy and CIUT Radio host Patrick Roots paying tribute to Dennis Brown before bringing Reggaddiction back on stage. A surprise highlight of the night was the unexpected collaboration between reggae legend Friendlyness and reigning Juno winner Kirk Diamond. Sharing the stage for the first time, they performed Marley’s deeply spiritual anthem “War,” a powerful moment that symbolized a passing of the torch to the next generation of Canadian reggae artists.
The energy surged as Kairo McLean and Kirk Diamond teamed up for their Juno-winning track “Reggae Party,” blending seamlessly into a tease of “Jammin.” The concert stretched well beyond its scheduled end time, but no one was eager to leave. Every song, every beat, and every note felt like a communal experience—a joyous celebration of Marley’s legacy.
Beyond the music, the event also served a greater purpose, collecting donations for The Parkdale Community Food Bank. Stephen Beltzner and Rosemary Bowen spoke on behalf of the organization, thanking attendees for their generosity, which will help over 13,000 homes across the GTA. Toronto Police Division 14 also volunteered their support, reinforcing the evening’s message of kindness and community.
As the final chords of “No Woman No Cry” rang out, the audience left Lee’s Palace feeling uplifted, energized, and deeply connected—not just to the music, but to each other. More than just a concert, this was a powerful tribute to Marley’s timeless messages of love, unity, and resistance.
