Sanchez Live a show for the books
Published:Monday | February 6, 2023 | 12:17 AMAaliyah Cunningham /Gleaner Writer
There was no better way to spend a cool Thursday night in the city than at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre where hundreds of event-goers experienced a reggae showcase that money simply could not buy. Sanchez Live was hosted by the Minister of Culture, Gender Entertainment and Sports, Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange.
Some came out with the families, others came for date night or a par with friends, but whatever the reason, the free concert had the old and young rocking to the sultry sounds of arguably one of Jamaica’s best reggae singers. Not making much of his usual fashion statement, the icon rocked and grooved onstage for what felt like forever, but in reality, was just about two hours.
But, as many of those who attended would say, the presentation was so well put together it is hard to imagine that it was not a paid event. Furthermore, with guest performances from other stalwarts in the music industry, such as Richie Stephens, Flourgon and Leroy Sibbles it was a show jam-packed with entertainment from end to end.
Tunes, such as Never Dis The Man, Working My Way Back To You, Live It Up, Missing You and his rendition of Amazing Grace were certainly crowd favourites. But to add more of a thrill, Sanchez showed off his impressive vocal ability paid tribute in song to late reggae artistes Dennis Brown, Gregory Isaacs and Tenor Saw. He also gave renditions of Sizzla’s Dry Cry and Ed Sheeran’s Thinking Out Loud and even added some Marvin Gaye to the mix.
Speaking after the show, Minister Grange said it was the perfect opportunity to show further appreciation to Sanchez whose given name is Kevin Anthony Jackson, for his musical contribution to the industry over the years.
“Sanchez, as one of those early artistes, we wanted him to feel that Jamaicans appreciate him. We wanted him to know that he is being honoured and recognised. So we said let us showcase him as the first main presentation in this year’s Reggae Month,” Grange said.
Last year, Sanchez was one of two recipients of the prestigious Jamaica Music Icon Award, presented during the Independence Gala on August 6. Derrick Morgan was the other recipient. Minister Grange also added that this year, Reggae Month is not only about entertainment, but also about education.
“This is the only month-long reggae festival in the world and the idea is to celebrate the music and in celebrating the music we are celebrating our reggae artistes and pioneers, those who have paved the way, and those who continue to carry the music and to wave the flag of Jamaica when they tour and the young ones who are the new emerging artistes. It gives us a chance to show off everybody and to cater to different tastes and different genres and an opportunity to say to the artistes that it is not about us celebrating your music, but also helping you to understand the business,” she said.
Reggae Month activities continue for the duration of February. This evening, in commemoration of Bob Marley’s birthday, there will be a free concert at Emancipation Park with acts such, as Julian Marley, Capelton, George Nooks, Lutan Fyah, Droop Lion and more.