Trey Songz, R. Kelly Help Jamaica Celebrate 50 Years of Independence

Trey Songz celebrates 50 years of Jamaican independence at the 20th annual Reggae Sum Fest in Montego Bay Jamaica alongside R. Kelly, Damian Marley, Beenie Man, Shabba Ranks, Lady Saw, Tesanna Chin and many more.

When a US based pop star takes the stage abroad, you’d think an international audience’s response would some how differ from the norm. But the 20th annual Sum Fest’s International Night, headlined by Virginia born and bred artist Trey Songz brought out the same frenzied screams of 14 to 30 something year old women around the arena just the same. Still there was something very different about the night of July 20. It was the 20th Annual Reggae Sum Fest and Jamaica’s 50th year as an independent nation.

“I just want to do something special for y’all tonight,” shouted an eager Trey Songz in to the crowd of over 12,000 screaming Sum Fest concertgoers. “This is my first time performing at Sum Fest and this is a very big year for [Jamaica]-50 years of independence, so I want to ask if it’s alright that I give yall a little love tonight.” The 27-year-old heartthrob, then paid homage to Reggae’s biggest pop star of all time, Bob Marley with his own rendition of “Turn Your lights Down Low.” The audience, populated with patrons from all over the country of Jamaica as well as abroad, erupted into cheers and sounded off distinctly Jamaican horns in praise of his song choice. After which, the Einstein of love making went on with his usual spiel, performing songs like, “Say Aah,” “Already Taken,” “I Need a Girl,” and more.

The night, which started off with more local reggae acts like Tessanne Chin, and Tarrus Riley began around 9:00pm and concluded at the break of day when reggae legend Shabba Ranks took the stage. In total, the three-night show boasts over 50 different reggae artists in addition to several international artists. Shabba Ranks, who’s nearly two decade long absence has gone far from unnoticed among locals, was honored for his contribution to Reggae by the Minister of Youth and Culture. Trey Songz was also presented with a Jamaica 50 pin for his participation in the celebration.

Check out a snippet of Trey Songz paying homage to Bob Marley and performing his new single “Dive in” from his new album Chapter V for the first time below: