It was a perfect Sunday evening in Ardmore, PA, to catch one of Jamaica’s best voices, a rootsy local band, and an up-and-coming dancehall artist. Over the past few years, I have attended and photographed many reggae concerts, but I always seemed to miss Etana when she was touring. When I saw she was coming to Ardmore, I knew I had to finally catch her, so I reached out to Jamaican Dave, the promoter of the show, to see about getting a pass.

Jamaican Dave Productions is the Philadelphia tri-state area's (Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware) premier world music marketing and events promotion company. For years, JDP has been bringing some of the most enduring and legendary reggae and African stars, as well as promising up-and-coming artists, to the area. They host concerts, special parties, and events in partnership with some of the region's biggest venues and organizations. Jamaican Dave Productions was started back in 1998 when Dave, originally from Linstead, Jamaica, was disappointed in the reggae music scene in Philadelphia and decided to do something about it. His big breakthrough came with the Beres Hammond and Buju Banton tour in the summer of 1999 at the Pegasus Night Club, and he hasn’t slowed down since. Dave got me in touch with Etana’s manager, and all was set for a great night.

The Ardmore Music Hall is not the largest venue, but it’s a fantastic spot for a concert. The stage is low and close to the crowd, the sound is excellent, and the lighting is solid for photography. I was ready, and the crowd was ready, to hear some great reggae music!

The night began as the doors opened to the sounds of Black Widow Sounds, spinning reggae hits—old classics, roots, dancehall, and new tracks—to get the crowd warmed up. Philly’s own Tabernacle Reggae Band kicked off the live performances. I had never heard or seen them before, but let me tell you, they absolutely killed it on stage. The crowd clearly knew them, with many singing along to their songs.

Led by vocalist Mikey Luvsmith, the band put on a performance that had the crowd jamming and dancing throughout. The band sounded wonderful, and Mikey’s voice has such a great roots reggae sound. The lineup includes Buju on bass, Jason on drums, Adam and Derry on keys, and David on guitar—all fantastic musicians. I especially loved how Mikey started the night with the “National Reggae Anthem,” a unique take on the national anthem. Their message of love, hope, determination, and upliftment pulled me into each song, leaving me wanting more. Of course, I had to look them up and listen to them again once I got home. What an outstanding way to start the night and prepare the crowd for Etana.

Next up was rising star M-Gee, hailing from Maxfield Avenue in Kingston and now living in Philly. He strolled onto the stage with confidence and bravado, holding a drink and somehow managing to move around without spilling much. The ladies in the audience were thrilled, with screams erupting as he performed. His DJ played his tracks while he entertained the crowd with songs like “This Morning” and “Tie Me.”

When he performed “Things We Have,” he brought out dancehall legend Keiva Di Diva, who wowed the audience with her signature moves. Keiva rose to fame in the early 2000s as the only female dancer among a group of male dancers, including her mentor, the late Gerald “Bogle” Levy. She has appeared in over 100 music videos for artists such as Mavado, Voicemail, Elephant Man, and Mr. Lexx, revolutionizing the dance scene with moves like the popular “Online.” Seeing her in person and photographing her was an incredible moment.

As M-Gee performed his final song, a woman in the audience screamed for him, prompting him to jump off the stage and dance with her. It was a memorable and fun moment, showcasing his connection with the crowd. M-Gee is a rising star I’ll be watching closely as he continues to grow.

Finally, it was time for what we all came for: the two-time Grammy-nominated Shauna McKenzie, better known as Etana. Hailing from August Town in Kingston, Jamaica, she has been singing her whole life, first getting discovered at the age of eight while performing an Air Supply hit. With ten albums to her name, starting with The Strong One in 2008, Etana has delivered countless hits. I couldn’t wait to see which songs she would perform—I didn’t care which ones, I was just ecstatic to finally see her live.

Etana’s music breaks down barriers, elevates the soul, and inspires listeners around the globe. She is not just a reggae star; she is an international star. Her name, which translates to “The Strong One” in Swahili, epitomizes resilience and empowerment, both in her lyrics and her powerful, beautiful voice. She masterfully fuses reggae with soul and acoustic brilliance, creating a sound that transcends borders and unites fans worldwide.

Words cannot fully describe how amazing she sounded or the presence she brought to the stage—you feel it in your heart. As she performed hit after hit, the crowd was mesmerized, singing along all night. On my drive home, I tried to pick my favorite songs from the night, but they were all so good it was impossible to choose. While photographing the concert, I made sure to put my camera down a few times to simply listen and enjoy. During those moments, “Reggae” and “I Am Not Afraid” stood out as highlights.

The Raw Soul Rebel Band was phenomenal, with each member showcasing their incredible talent. It was a perfect performance, one that will stick with me—and the crowd—for years to come. It has only made me want to see Etana again.

Her captivating and soulful voice conveys powerful messages of strength, love, and unity, transcending music to become a truly spiritual experience. With mesmerizing performances, millions of streams, and a devoted global fanbase, Etana shines as one of reggae’s most powerful and enduring voices, leaving a lasting mark on the genre. Few singers can compete with or compare to her gorgeous and magnificent voice.

One Love – Todd M. Judd