Reggae drew the attention of locals in Grand Cayman on Friday night as Jamaican headliners Cecile, Etana, Richie Spice, and Glen Washington joined local performers for the second staging of Lover’s Rock Cayman.

The event was sponsored by the Ministry of Tourism and Ports, The Best Dressed Chicken, and other key partners. The event, held at the Lions Centre, was billed as a cultural bridge between Cayman and Jamaica, and received strong support from both the local community and the diaspora.

“Cayman has long appreciated reggae, but we wanted to elevate that appreciation into a world-class experience,” said Raheem Robinson, the event’s director. “By bringing reggae to centre stage in a luxurious island setting, we’re not only honouring its roots but also using it as a vehicle to empower youth, promote culture, and strengthen regional identity. It’s about creating a space where heritage meets celebration. As someone who’s both Jamaican and Caymanian, it was important to create a space where both identities could meet on stage.”

The concert, titled The Gift of Love, opened with local acts, setting the tone for an evening of roots music and Caribbean connection. The event was streamed live via the Lover’s Rock website and YouTube, attracting regional and international audiences. Hosting the live stream were rising reggae recording artiste King Diel and Miss Universe Cayman Islands 2020, Mariah Tibbetts, while Garfield ‘Geefus’ Parkinson of Stone Love Sound System served as the on-stage host.

The night began with a showcase of emerging talent, including students from John Gray High School, Slicky Smood from Clarendon, Jamaica, and Xosia, daughter of reggae legend Freddy McGregor. Their performances brought a blend of roots reggae, soul, and modern fusion—signaling both the future of the genre and its deep roots across the region.

Cecile was the first headliner to take the stage, commanding the crowd with her energy and stage presence. She performed fan favourites including I’m Waiting, which sparked immediate sing-alongs. Her delivery was bold and engaging, interacting freely with the audience. Cheater’s Prayer resonated particularly with female fans, while Anything (Cook Fi Yuh) blended her characteristic dancehall flair with humour, prompting laughter and applause. Her set laid a vibrant foundation for the evening.

Etana followed, bringing a more soulful and introspective energy. Accompanied by the High Symbol Band, she delivered a stirring rendition of I Rise, showcasing her vocal strength and lyrical depth. During My Man, couples in the crowd cheered and sang along. Her cover of Weakness in Me struck an emotional chord, with some patrons visibly moved—eyes closed, voices low, phones in the air.

Richie Spice then elevated the tempo with his unmistakable presence, launching into his iconic Brown Skin. The crowd’s energy surged as he moved into Groovin My Girl, delivering sweet melodies with his signature raspy vocals. His rendition of Earth A Run Red became a peak moment—soaring chorus vocals from the crowd compelled him to pause and listen. His set was a reminder of reggae’s enduring power to speak to love, consciousness, and social commentary.

To close the night, Glen Washington delivered a soulful and reflective performance with his band State of Energy. He opened with Kindness for Weakness, and his smooth vocal delivery and laid-back demeanour created a calming close to the night’s journey. If Loving You Is Wrong and Consider Me had the audience swaying gently, singing in unison. Washington’s performance was a fitting conclusion to an evening rooted in love, unity, and Caribbean pride.

“This concert is one of a kind in Cayman,” said one Jamaican living in Cayman Yanique Smith Varona.  “Not often do we get to experience this calibre of music and artistes. I had to come out and enjoy it.”

Organisers are already in discussion about expanding the event into an annual feature on Cayman’s cultural calendar, signalling new possibilities for regional music tourism and cultural exchange.