Dedicates emotional “A Change Is Gonna Come” to Michael Brown, Eric Garner & Trayvon Martin
LAUDERHILL – The ‘One Caribbean Music Festival’ which took place recently at the Central Broward Regional Park in Lauderhill, Florida hit a sizzling energy level when Jamaican music ambassador Richie Stephens delivered a blistering performance that some say was the best of the festival. Stephens took fans on a musical stroll down memory lane, crooning hits “Tougher Than Before,” “Trying To Get To You,” “Fight Back” and “True Believer.”
He upped the ante with “Real Reggae Music” before segued into “Winner” and “Spanish Harlem” which earned thunderous applauds. To show his musical dexterity, the “Life Your Life” singer delved into the inspirational “A Change Is Gonna Come” that was dedicated to ‘fallen soldiers’ Michael Brown, Eric Garner, Trayvon Martin and others in the USA who have died at the hands of rogue cops. The emotional charged song was perfectly executed and had the entire park singing along. The lively gospel medley that followed, warmed hearts and set the stage for the hot new ‘Ska Teck’ single “Everybody Dance” that raised the bar ten fold.
“Ska Tech is definitely not just hot in Jamaica but it is now an international phenomenon. I was total blown away by how well it was embraced by fans here today” Stephens declared moments after he left the stage.
The singer confessed that prior to arriving in Florida, he had not plan to perform the song with dancers. View live performance now: https://sflcn.com/richie-stephens-at-one-caribbean-music-festival-2014/
“To be honest, I had no plan to perform ‘Everybody Dance’ with dancers. When I realized just how popular the song is in Florida, I had to scramble to find a competent group in less than 24 hours and what a spectacular job the ‘Lime Light Squad’ did here today” he remarked.
Stephens next big performance will be at the 19th annual Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival set for January 29-31, 2015 at the Trelawny Stadium, Falmouth, Jamaica.
“Festival Producer Walter Elmore has again shown confidence in my ability and has given me the opportunity to represent Jamaica and reggae on a major event in Jamaica. The festival boast an impressive lineup of international stars including Magic, SoJa and pop star Mariah Carey who will be performing for the first time in Jamaica. This is an important assignment and I have some exciting things planned” Stephens noted.
