Stone Love brings energy to Marley brothers ‘Legacy Tour’
Ziggy, Stephen, Julian, Ky-Mani, and Damian tour together for the first time in 20 years
Published:Tuesday | September 10, 2024 | 12:09 AM
The iconic Stone Love Movements made history on September 5 when they opened ‘The Marley Brothers: The Legacy Tour’ with a high-energy selection of music that kindled a fire within the crowd at Festival Lawn at Deer Lake Park in Vancouver, Canada.
Known for its influence on reggae and dancehall culture for more than five decades, Stone Love set the tone for an unforgettable night, marking the start of a 22-date tour across the US and Canada that brings all five Marley brothers – Ziggy, Stephen, Julian, Ky-Mani, and Damian – for the first time in two decades.
Stone Love’s presence on the tour as the sole opening act is not only a nod to their foundational role in sound system culture, but also a testament to their ability to connect generations of reggae fans. With Geefus leading the charge, the crowd was quickly swept up in the energy as he delivered Stone Love’s signature mix of classic reggae hits and contemporary dancehall tracks – setting the perfect tone for the monumental reunion. The selector’s famous call of “Traffficccccc” reverberated through the park venue, creating a road-blocking, euphoric experience, blending the old with the new.
Reminiscing on the experience, Geefus said, “This tour is a blessing, and it feels like everything has come full circle. To be a part of something so legendary – sharing the stage with five Marley brothers and spreading the music of reggae icon Bob Marley to the world – brings a deep sense of nostalgia. The energy on opening night was unforgettable, and signalled that things were just getting started. Opening in front of nearly 10,000 people was incredible, and many of them who already know Stone Love responded with pure vibes.”
“For me, it is about creating the hyped-up experience; I have a slang, ‘Traffficccccc’, that speaks to the culture how reggae-dancehall creates a roadblock of vibes, and it’s what attracts the younger generation. That’s what we do ... we work closely with artistes to keep the energy fresh and alive for new listeners. Bob Marley’s music continues to play all over the world, and his children and grandchildren, who are greatly talented, are carrying on that great legacy. It is an honour for us as pioneers of sound system culture to be part of history in the making. Stone Love Movements, founded by the great Winston ‘Wee Pow’ Powell, has been connected with the Marley family since the ‘90s, and it’s a great feeling to represent Jamaican music internationally,” said Geefus, who has been with Stone Love for 32 years.
Having shaped the global sound of reggae and dancehall for over 50 years, Stone Love’s involvement in The Marley Brothers: The Legacy Tour underscores the synergy between sound system culture and reggae’s worldwide influence.
With the world approaching what would have been Bob Marley’s 80th birthday in 2025, the brothers honour his enduring impact by performing a mix of their solo hits and classic songs from their father’s timeless catalogue. Stone Love’s sets exemplify the lasting power of Jamaica’s most celebrated sound system, and also amplify the shared goal to continue spreading Bob Marley’s message of strength, hope, and unity through the power of reggae music.
On why people should see Stone Love live on the tour, Geefus remarked, “The energy is out of this world. We bring the full Marley connection through the music, and every night is a special experience. After this tour, we have many overseas dates lined up, including another Japan tour, and we’re celebrating 52 years of Stone Love, so there’s much to look forward to.”