Leroy Sibbles, a legendary figure in the world of reggae music, was officially crowned as the King of The Reggae Bassline at a special event held at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre last Saturday. The 75-year-old singer and musician, who has been in the music industry for 60 years, treated the audience to a memorable hour-long performance that showcased his immense talent and influence.
During his performance, Sibbles delighted the crowd with songs that he recorded with The Heptones, as well as some of the iconic bass lines he created at Studio One. His performance was a journey through the history of reggae music, with timeless tracks like Baby, Why Did You Leave, Pretty Looks Isn’t All, and Heptones Gonna Fight, resonating with the audience.
Sibbles’ granddaughter, Empress Adara, paid tribute to him by serenading him with Donny Hathaway’s classic song, A Song For You. The atmosphere was electric as Sibbles took the stage and delivered a masterful performance that had the audience singing and dancing along.
Throughout the evening, Sibbles showcased his skills on the bass with songs like Satta Massa Gana by The Abyssinians and various other reggae classics. The concert also featured performances by talented artists like Duane Stephenson, Etana, and Singing Melody, who each delivered captivating sets to the delight of the audience.
As the show came to a close, percussionist Bongo Herman brought the night to an end with soulful renditions of Alton Ellis’ classics, Rocksteady and Breaking Up Is Hard to Do. The event was a true celebration of reggae music and Leroy Sibbles’ incredible contribution to the genre.
In his closing remarks, Sibbles expressed his gratitude to the artists and fans who came out to support him, saying, “Bwoy, is a great feeling, we thank all di artistes an’ people who come out. It was great.” His coronation as the King of The Reggae Bassline was a fitting tribute to his remarkable career and his enduring legacy in the world of reggae music.
