Reggae legends for King Earthstrong concert

European-based reggae legends Roger Robin and AJ Brown join world-renowned veteran Jamaican singer Everton Blender (Everton Williams) at St John’s Hall in Port of Spain on Saturday for a musical celebration of Emperor Haile Selassie I’s 131st “earthstrong” (birthday).

This will be Robin and Brown’s first time performing in Trinidad and Tobago after decades of producing classic reggae.

Robin, born in Bristol, England, is internationally acclaimed for his hit Unity, and the words to this song are a lyrical reflection of what’s currently happening, and what’s needed, to help to build a better society.

Robin has released over seven albums and has an array of other hits which he will perform, confirming this to fans of via the event's web page.

Robin entered the music business at 11 and was a very young member of London's Saxon sound system. Back then, he sang alongside fellow veterans such as Maxi Priest, Tippa Irie and Papa Levi.

Brown is also a long-standing Jamaican singer but since 2014, has been the lead singer of respected reggae band Third World. He’s popularly known for inspirational songs such as All Kind of People and My Father, My Friend.

At Summerfest 2023 in Milwaukee, US, in early July, Brown displayed an impressive tenor as he covered Italian Andrea Bocelli’s hit Time to Say Goodbye. The crowd went wild,especially when he hit the high notes.

Joining them will be Jamelody (Michael Williams), who is from Carenage.

Event organiser and sound system Matsimela said the concert brings a welcome message of peace, love and unity. “Roger Robin’s hit Unity, we need that more than ever now in Trinidad. (It’s) very important for the country right now, especially young people. It’s love we need, you know, love and unity. Long time ago, the music wasn’t so aggressive, so this is needed”

“They are roots and culture artistes. Promoters are recycling a lot of artistes in Trinidad, and we needed to do something different. We want to make a statement with this event.”