The final staging of the 2019 Appleton Estate Signature Nights brought the series to an epic close with hundreds of patrons cheering, screaming, and singing songs word for word on the sandy beaches in Runaway Bay, St Ann. The series concluded on Thursday, December 19, and featured performances by Romain Virgo, Agent Sasco, and ‘The Doctor’, Beenie Man, who thrilled audiences as they toasted with Appleton Estate Signature Blend in true Signature Nights fashion.
The show which kicked off at 9 p.m., saw hundreds turning out at Sharkies Seafood Restaurant to enjoy live reggae music with the world’s foremost golden rum.
Marsha Lumley, marketing director, J. Wray & Nephew, was pleased with the explosive finale, which had audiences rocking throughout the night.
“Every year, we strive to give audiences what they sign up for: an intimate space filled with reggae lovers who want to enjoy Appleton Estate Signature Blend cocktails and rock to the tunes of their favourite reggae artistes. I’m proud to say we’ve accomplished that and more.”
The show took off in a major way thanks to the sounds of the ‘Love Doctor’, Romain Virgo, who treated the ladies to an extensive catalogue of songs that had the Sharkies crowd ecstatic. The singing sensation also delivered beloved hits such as Melanin, Wasteman , and the heartfelt Who Feels It Knows It.
His performance was followed by a shift in tone brought on by the ‘Lyrical Assassin’ Agent Sasco, whose reception was equally tremendous. Classics like Roughest and Toughest and Idiot Ting were heard in his energetic set, accompanied by renditions of Wayne Wonder’s No Letting Go and Bob Marley’s Who the Cap Fit, the latter woven into his performance of Dutty Heart alongside Romain Virgo.
‘The Doctor’ Beenie Man closed the show the only way he knows how. Patrons were rapturous at the very sight of the dancehall legend and proceeded to sing his every tune word for word, from classics like Sim Simma to the crowd favourite Nuff Gal.
“With an incredible first three stops, it was very important that we close out the 2019 series with a bang, something the people would really remember,” said Lumley. “I think this particular line-up really brought something special to the Appleton Estate Signature Nights experience.”
The 2019 series has seen an electrifying line-up of shows throughout the year, with Romain Virgo headlining the first stop in Westmoreland. The second staging featured big acts including I Wayne and Richie Spice, who brought a conscious fire to St Ann in October. That show was followed by Wayne Wonder’s first performance in Jamaica in years, which took place on the Appleton Estate Signature Nights stage in Kingston in December.
For three years, Appleton Estate Signature Nights has been the ultimate setting that offers reggae and rum lovers an intimate space to enjoy one of the world’s finest golden rums alongside live reggae music. Going into 2020, the event is living up to its reputation by delivering its promise to patrons bigger and better each year.