Chris Martin Delivers a Masterclass at Reggae Land 2026
Chris Martin proved once again why he remains one of reggae music’s most complete live performers, delivering a polished, soulful and crowd-engaging set at Reggae Land 2026 that blended timeless hits, heartfelt storytelling and genuine audience interaction.
Taking to the stage at exactly 6:30pm, the anticipation had already reached its peak. His band warmed the audience with the unmistakable instrumentals of classics including Cheaters Prayer, Big Deal and Paper Lovin’, instantly sparking singalongs before Chris had even made his entrance.
Chris Martin at Reggae Land 2026
As he walked on stage, the atmosphere shifted immediately. Relaxed, smiling and full of positive energy, Chris wasted no time reminding everyone why he has become one of reggae’s most consistent hitmakers.
His set travelled effortlessly through his extensive catalogue, opening with the sweet melodies that have defined his career before moving into favourites including Sweet Sweet Love, Cheaters Prayer and Paper Lovin’. The performance showcased not only his songwriting but also the vocal ability that has earned him admiration well beyond reggae circles.
One of the standout moments came as Chris seamlessly incorporated his celebrated covers, including Luther Vandross classics and Passenger’s Let Her Go, demonstrating the versatility that has made his live performances so unique over the years.
Chris Martin at Reggae Land 2026
Returning to his original material, he performed songs including Wife and Sweetheart before bringing the music almost to a standstill. Asking the audience if they would “allow him to dream,” Chris delivered an emotional acapella passage that created one of the evening’s most intimate moments. That vulnerability flowed naturally into Leave People Business, his collaboration with Romain Virgo, reminding everyone that reggae still thrives when great songwriting meets authentic storytelling.
By the time Paper Lovin’ arrived, thousands of voices had completely taken over. The audience barely needed any encouragement, singing virtually every lyric back to him in one of the loudest crowd responses of the afternoon.
Chris continued the momentum with a smooth rendition of Busy Signal’s Come Over before returning to his own catalogue with Blessings, Real Friends, and Look on My Face, his standout contribution to Silly Walks Discotheque’s acclaimed Brighter Days Riddim.
Chris Martin at Reggae Land 2026
He also paused to pay tribute to fellow reggae artist Fantan Mojah, performing Thanks & Praise and Stronger, a respectful moment that highlighted the sense of unity that continues to define Jamaica’s reggae fraternity.
For the finale, Chris reached into reggae royalty, beautifully performing Garnett Silk’s Mama before transitioning into one of his biggest records, Mama, bringing his set to a memorable close as the audience sang every word alongside him.
Following his performance, we caught up with Chris Martin backstage, where he praised both the festival and its audience.
Speaking to WorlMag, he commended the outstanding production standards of Reggae Land and spoke warmly about the UK’s diverse reggae fanbase, describing the reception as something he never takes for granted. With Jamaica’s Emancipation Day and Independence Day celebrations approaching, Chris reflected on how proud it makes him feel to represent Jamaica on international stages, sharing its music and culture with audiences from every background.
Chris Martin at Reggae Land 2026
It was another reminder that Chris Martin doesn’t rely on elaborate stage theatrics to captivate an audience. His greatest strength remains exactly what reggae has always valued most: exceptional songs, outstanding vocals and a genuine connection with the people. In an era where spectacle often overshadows substance, Chris Martin delivered something refreshingly timeless, proving that great music still speaks louder than anything else.
HEELLLOOOO Saint Lucia 2026: The Fete That Set Carnival Ablaze
If there was ever any doubt that Saint Lucia Carnival 2026 was about to be something special, HEELLLOOOO erased it from the moment the gates opened.
From the second Worlmag walked through the venue, it was clear this wasn’t just another carnival party—it was an experience. The energy was electric from start to finish, with patrons arriving ready to celebrate and leaving only after the final song echoed through the speakers.
HEELLLOOOO Saint Lucia 2026
Promoted by renowned DJ Barrie Hype, HEELLLOOOO has become one of the most anticipated opening events of Saint Lucia Carnival, attracting locals, regional visitors and carnival enthusiasts from across the world. This year’s edition delivered on every expectation.
The atmosphere was infectious. Every corner of the venue buzzed with excitement as DJs seamlessly blended the biggest soca, dancehall and Caribbean anthems. The crowd responded to every transition, creating an atmosphere that felt more like one massive family celebration than a traditional fete.
HEELLLOOOO Saint Lucia 2026
Performances That Elevated the Night
One of the defining features of HEELLLOOOO 2026 was the calibre of its live performances.
Grenadian powerhouse V’ghn reminded everyone why he has become one of the Caribbean’s most exciting entertainers. His performance had the crowd singing every lyric, waving flags and fully immersed in the moment.
Vghn
Saint Lucia’s own Hollywood HP brought undeniable stage presence, while Tally BoyTension injected the raw energy of Dennery Segment that has become synonymous with Lucian carnival culture. Their interaction with the audience transformed each performance into a shared experience rather than simply a show. Patrons weren’t just watching—they became part of the performance itself.
That artist-to-crowd connection amplified the atmosphere throughout the night, creating unforgettable carnival moments that had revelers dancing from beginning to end.
HEELLLOOOO Saint Lucia 2026
DJs Delivered a Masterclass
A fete is only as good as its music, and HEELLLOOOO’s DJ lineup ensured there wasn’t a dull moment.
Internationally acclaimed selectors Private Ryan, Kevin Crown, and promoter DJ Barrie Hype led a stellar cast behind the decks. Each DJ brought their own signature style while expertly reading the crowd, keeping the momentum building with every set.
Whether it was the latest soca anthems, classic carnival favourites or dancehall hits, every transition kept the energy at maximum levels. There was never a point where the dance floor emptied—in fact, each set seemed to raise the excitement even further.
HEELLLOOOO Saint Lucia 2026
More Than a Party
HEELLLOOOO has evolved into much more than an opening fete. It has become the unofficial welcome party for Saint Lucia Carnival, where international visitors and locals unite before the road events begin.
The event perfectly captured everything that makes Saint Lucia Carnival unique: world-class music, vibrant culture, genuine hospitality and an atmosphere that encourages complete freedom to enjoy the moment.
HEELLLOOOO Saint Lucia 2026
Social Media Reacts
The excitement didn’t end when the music stopped. Across social media, attendees described HEELLLOOOO as one of the standout events of the carnival season.
Many posts praised:
The non-stop energy from the DJs throughout the night.
The surprise appearances and live performances from artists including V’ghn, Hollywood HP and Tally Boy.
The seamless blend of soca, dancehall and Dennery Segment that kept the crowd moving.
The incredible crowd interaction, with many revelers saying they felt part of the show rather than simply spectators.
Videos shared by attendees showcased packed dance floors, thousands of people singing in unison and the high-energy atmosphere that has become synonymous with Saint Lucia Carnival. Carnival personalities and attendees also reflected on the exceptional vibes across the 2026 season, with many describing it as one of the strongest in recent years.
Worlmag Verdict
HEELLLOOOO 2026 wasn’t just another stop on the carnival calendar—it was the spark that ignited Saint Lucia Carnival.
With exceptional performances, world-class DJs, an electric atmosphere and a crowd determined to celebrate until the very end, the event delivered exactly what carnival lovers travelled to the island for.
If HEELLLOOOO was the opening chapter of Saint Lucia Carnival 2026, it set the tone for an unforgettable season. For those fortunate enough to experience it firsthand, one thing became abundantly clear: when Barrie Hype says “HEELLLOOOO,” the Caribbean answers.
BLOCKO 2026 Delivers One of Saint Lucia Carnival's Wildest Experiences
When Fuzion Mas teamed up with Caesar’s Army for BLOCKO 2026, expectations were sky-high. By the time the sun rose over the Darren Sammy Cricket Ground parking lot ( Beausejour Promenade ), it was clear that this year’s edition was going to be another unforgettable chapter in Saint Lucia Carnival.
Blocko St Lucia 2026 Presented by Caesar’s Army x Fuzion Mas
The event officially kicked off at 5:00 a.m., with the Worlmag team arriving around 6:30 a.m. Despite a long queue stretching outside the venue, patrons remained patient and orderly as they eagerly waited to enter the venue to experience what thousands had been talking about.
The moment we stepped inside, the atmosphere was electric.
Music blasted across the venue as revellers danced from every corner, creating the perfect sunrise carnival experience. There was no time to stay clean. As soon as guests collected their paint cups and made their way into the crowd, they were instantly covered in vibrant colours. Combined with water being sprayed throughout the venue, BLOCKO transformed into the ultimate paint-and-water celebration.
The energy never dipped. From start to finish, the DJs kept the momentum going with an infectious mix of soca favourites, carnival anthems and crowd singalongs that had the entire venue moving as one. Every transition raised the excitement, making it impossible to stand still.
BLOCKO 2026 Delivers One of Saint Lucia Carnival’s Wildest Experiences
The turnout was another major talking point. Thousands packed the Darren Sammy Cricket Ground parking lot, once again proving why BLOCKO has become one of the most anticipated events on the Saint Lucia Carnival calendar. From locals to international visitors, everyone came ready to celebrate.
The entertainment continued with live performances that added another layer of excitement to an already energetic morning. Ezra, The Fun Machine brought his signature carnival vibes, keeping the audience fully engaged, while Red Zone delivered a performance that had the crowd singing and waving throughout their set.
One of the defining features of BLOCKO is its ability to create a true carnival community. Strangers became friends through music, paint and water, while photographers and videographers captured colourful moments that will undoubtedly dominate social media for weeks to come.
BLOCKO 2026 Delivers One of Saint Lucia Carnival’s Wildest Experiences
Fuzion Mas and Caesar’s Army have once again delivered an event that lives up to its reputation. From the organisation and atmosphere to the music, performances and unforgettable energy, BLOCKO 2026 showcased exactly why it remains one of the standout experiences of Saint Lucia Carnival.
If this year’s edition is anything to go by, BLOCKO isn’t just a fete—it’s an essential carnival experience, and one that deserves a place on every carnival lover’s bucket list.
Stylo G Ignites Summer with New Single “Energy Up”
Produced by Epik Jones & Polabeatz | Out Worldwide 17 July 2026
Stylo G Energy Up
London / Kingston – International dancehall star Stylo G is set to soundtrack the summer with the release of his explosive new single “Energy Up,” produced by Epik Jones and Polabeatz, arriving on Friday, 17 July 2026 across all major digital streaming platforms. The release is supported by a major international marketing campaign already outlined across the project’s promotional strategy and partnership materials.
Following a remarkable run of international successes, including collaborations with Nicki Minaj, Clean Bandit, Sean Paul and Spice, Stylo G returns with a record designed to inspire movement, confidence and positive energy. “Energy Up” blends authentic Jamaican dancehall with contemporary global production, creating a festival-ready anthem aimed at dance floors, fitness communities, DJs, creators and Caribbean culture worldwide.
Produced by Epik Jones and Polabeatz, the single represents more than just another release. It launches a wider creative movement celebrating music, dance, fitness, community and positive lifestyle culture under the banner of #EnergyUp.
A Summer Campaign Built for Global Audiences
The release of “Energy Up” marks the beginning of an ambitious multimedia campaign extending throughout summer 2026.
Fans can expect:
• The official “Energy Up” music video, premiering shortly after the single release, featuring vibrant Jamaican dance culture, premium visuals and luxury lifestyle imagery.
• The #EnergyUpChallenge, encouraging dancers, DJs, fitness influencers, creators and fans worldwide to showcase their own interpretation of positive energy across TikTok, Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts.
• A creator-first digital campaign delivering more than 100 pieces of original content throughout the summer.
• Festival activations and appearances across major European reggae and Caribbean events.
• Exclusive merchandise and branded lifestyle content inspired by the Energy Up movement.
The Next Chapter for Stylo G
“Energy Up” serves as the lead release in the build-up to Stylo G’s forthcoming EP, a project that showcases the artist’s continued evolution while remaining firmly rooted in Jamaican culture.
The upcoming EP will feature a collection of recent fan favourites alongside brand-new material, including:
• Energy Up
• Mukky (WYFL Riddim)
• BPRC
• Konnichiwa
• Additional previously released singles
• New, unreleased tracks to be announced in the coming weeks
Together, the EP reflects Stylo G’s versatility, effortlessly moving between hard-hitting dancehall, crossover anthems and globally influenced sounds.
More Than Music
The campaign positions Energy Up as a lifestyle movement centred around:
The vision extends far beyond streaming platforms, aiming to build an authentic cultural moment through live events, creator collaborations, editorial support and fan engagement throughout the summer.
About Stylo G
Born in Jamaica and raised in the United Kingdom, Stylo G has become one of the most influential British-Jamaican recording artists of his generation. With billions of streams, international touring success and collaborations spanning dancehall, reggae, grime and mainstream urban music, he continues to bridge Caribbean culture with audiences around the world.
Known for hits including Call Mi A Yardie, Soundbwoy, Move Back, Dumpling and Touch Down, Stylo G remains one of dancehall’s most recognisable international ambassadors.
About the Producers
Epik Jones is an internationally recognised DJ, producer, songwriter and entertainment executive whose work spans music production, artist development, media and global entertainment marketing. His production and songwriting credits include collaborations with leading Caribbean artists while his wider work has helped connect Jamaican culture with international audiences.
Polabeatz has established himself as one of Jamaica’s exciting contemporary producers, known for energetic productions that fuse authentic dancehall with modern commercial appeal. Together, the duo deliver a powerful production that captures the spirit of summer while remaining unmistakably Jamaican.
Release Information
Single: Energy Up
Artist: Stylo G
Produced by: Epik Jones & Polabeatz
Release Date: Friday, 17 July 2026
Stream/buy : https://onerpm.link/energyup
Official Music Video: Out Now
Upcoming Project: Stylo G EP (Summer 2026)
Colour Me Red Marks 20 Years with an ‘Encore’ as Machel Montano and Skinny Fabulous Return
One of Saint Lucia’s biggest carnival events, Colour Me Red (CMR), is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a fitting theme – “Encore.” This year’s milestone edition will reunite returning favourites and soca legends as thousands of revellers prepare to descend on the Darren Sammy Cricket Ground for one of the island’s premier carnival concert on Friday 17th of July 2026.
At the official media launch, organisers explained that the “Encore” theme was chosen to celebrate the artists who have helped shape Colour Me Red over the past two decades, welcoming many familiar faces back to the stage.
Among those returning are Trinidad and Tobago’s Machel Montano and St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Skinny Fabulous, two of soca’s biggest names whose history with Colour Me Red stretches back many years.
Skinny Fabulous
Skinny Fabulous reflected on his long-standing relationship with the event, revealing that he has been performing at Colour Me Red since his University of the West Indies (UWI) days. He also recalled opening for Saint Lucian soca star Ricky T early in his career. This year marks 19 years since Skinny first performed at the event, making his return even more special.
Machel Montano
For Machel Montano, this appearance marks his first Colour Me Red performance in ten years. His last performance was back in 2015. Looking back on his early visits to Saint Lucia, he joked that when he first came to the island at nine years old, he was “too young for soca.”
Although they represent different islands, both artists spoke passionately about their love for Saint Lucia and shared how excited they were to begin their carnival weekend on the island. Machel described returning to Saint Lucia as “a family affair,” while both performers praised the warm hospitality they continue to receive whenever they visit.
During the press conference, members of the media asked questions about the artists’ future music, their continued involvement with Saint Lucia, and what fans can expect from their performances. Both Machel and Skinny shared stories from previous visits and expressed how much they enjoy returning to the island and connecting with Saint Lucian audiences.
Organisers also reflected on Colour Me Red’s evolution over the past two decades. Originally staged on a Wednesday, the event has grown into one of the signature concerts of Saint Lucia Carnival, now taking place on Friday and attracting thousands of patrons from across the Caribbean and the diaspora.
With 20 years of unforgettable memories behind it, Colour Me Red: Encore promises to deliver another spectacular night of world-class soca, electrifying performances and carnival energy when it takes over the Darren Sammy Cricket Ground, continuing its legacy as one of the must-attend events on the Saint Lucia Carnival calendar.
Reporting by Worlmag – Your home for Caribbean music, culture and entertainment.
Jamaican Sprint Coaching Icon Stephen Francis Dies Aged 64
The global athletics community is mourning the loss of one of the greatest coaches the sport has ever known. Legendary Jamaican sprint coach Stephen Francis has died at the age of 64, leaving behind a legacy that transformed Jamaican athletics and redefined what was possible for home-grown coaching.
As co-founder and Technical Director of the MVP Track & Field Club, Francis built far more than a successful training group. He created a movement that proved Jamaican athletes, coached by Jamaicans, managed by Jamaicans and developed on home soil, could dominate the world.
Established in Kingston in 1999, MVP became one of the most successful sprint programmes in athletics history, producing Olympic champions, world champions, world record holders and generations of elite performers.
After completing a Bachelor of Science in Management Studies at the University of the West Indies and earning an MBA in Finance from the University of Michigan, Francis turned his attention fully to coaching. It proved to be a decision that would reshape global sprinting.
In recognition of his extraordinary contribution to sport, he was awarded the Order of Jamaica in 2017.
Among the world-class athletes coached by Stephen Francis are:
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce
• Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce
* 8 Olympic medals
* 16 World Championship medals
* One of the greatest female sprinters in history
Asafa Powell
• Asafa Powell
* Former 100m world record holder
* Olympic gold medallist
* First man to run under 10 seconds over 100m more than 100 times
•
Shericka Jackson
• Shericka Jackson
* Two-time World 200m Champion
* Olympic and World Championship medallist
Elaine Thompson-Herah
• Elaine Thompson-Herah
* Five-time Olympic gold medallist
* Only woman to successfully defend Olympic 100m and 200m titles
• Michael Frater
* Olympic relay gold medallist
* World relay champion
• Kishane Thompson
* Olympic silver medallist
* One of the fastest men of his generation
• Tia Clayton
* World relay medallist
* Emerging global sprint star
• Tina Clayton
* World Under-20 champion
* One of Jamaica’s brightest sprint prospects
His influence also extended to numerous national champions, relay specialists and international finalists who flourished under the MVP system.
A Legacy Beyond Medals
Stephen Francis’ greatest achievement may not have been the medals won, but the blueprint he created.
For decades, there was a belief that the world’s best athletes needed to leave the Caribbean to reach their potential. Francis challenged that assumption and won. His athletes trained in Jamaica, under Jamaican coaches, with Jamaican expertise, before travelling the world to become Olympic and World champions.
His philosophy elevated not only the careers of individual athletes but also the global reputation of Jamaican coaching.
In a statement, the MVP Track & Field Club described Francis as:
“A visionary coach, mentor and leader whose unwavering commitment to excellence transformed the landscape of athletics in Jamaica and inspired generations of athletes.”
Club President Bruce James added:
“Stephen Francis changed the trajectory of Jamaican athletics for the better. His vision, uncompromising pursuit of excellence and belief in the potential of our athletes transformed not only countless individual careers, but also the standing of Jamaican athletics on the global stage. His legacy will endure for generations.”
WorlMag Verdict
Some coaches collect medals. Stephen Francis built an institution.
His athletes became Olympic champions and world record holders, but perhaps his greatest victory was proving that excellence could be developed at home. He gave Jamaica not just champions, but confidence in its own coaching expertise.
The starting blocks may fall silent without him, yet every generation of Jamaican sprinters will continue to run in lanes he helped create.
Rest in Power, Coach Stephen Francis. Your legacy will never be measured solely by medals, but by the lives, careers and belief you inspired around the world.
The full band performing The Windrush Suite at Kings Place
On Thursday, 25 June 2026, in the first-ever live performance of The Windrush Suite and Echo in the Bones, Ivor Novello Award–winning composer, musical director, and multi-hyphenate artist Renell Shaw converted Hall One at Kings Place in London into the quintessential West Indian front room—a space that people have considered a sanctuary in Black British homes.
Entering the concert hall
We found our seats to the sound of reggae reverberating around the concert hall walls. On what would have been the mantelpiece, the screen projected black-and-white images of men slapping dominoes against a wooden table. We could almost hear them roar with laughter, realising they picked up sumt’n sweet. In other photographs offered by Jim Glover, women whipped up delights in the kitchen alongside friends. Although these projected images were static, the subjects held each other so tenderly my imagination could trace their movements.
Transported to familiar times gone by, our eyes wandered the room until Renell Shaw took to the stage, placing his grandfather’s trumpet beside the decks to share the precious moment. The locs neatly tied atop his head showed he was ready for the serious business of “commemorating those who came before, those who came after and uplifting the people”.
I felt myself make a promise to the people on stage.
Likely on account of their otherworldly musical talents, Renell referred to his band as “avengers”. Each artist bounced and rocked their way to their positions to Renell’s roll call with Dennis Brown’s “The Promised Land” as the backdrop. At that moment, I felt myself make a promise to the people on stage: I would listen as earnestly as this production had been put together.
This special performance of The Windrush Suite and Echo in the Bones formed part of Renell Shaw’s year-long residency at Kings Place ahead of the final suite in the trilogy: Remember Us Tomorrow on 9 October 2026.
Ayanna Witter-Johnson and Renell Shaw performing The Windrush Suite and Echo in the Bones at Kings Place | Image by Heba Elgamal.
From an Ivor Novello award-winning record to the stage at Kings Place
In 2020, General Manager of Vortex Jazz Club, Kathianne Hingwan, commissioned Renell Shaw to compose and perform The Windrush Suite at the renowned venue in London. However, the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns meant that this was no longer possible. Instead, it debuted as a streamed performance on Windrush Day. Released by Major Toms, the independent record label founded by Rudimental, the opening record, “The Vision They Had,” went on to win an Ivor Novello award. That’s to say, the production we saw at Kings Place was more than five years in the making, with Renell gifting his audience a true labour of love.
On the night, the band consisted of the highest calibre of artists:
After courteously checking in with each artist, conductor Renell Shaw started the show with “The Vision They Had”. My ears tuned into the archive recording before noticing the soft piano keys accompanying the wisdom-bearing Caribbean elder’s voice.
Orphy Robinson MBE performing The Windrush Suite at Kings Place | Image by Heba Elgamal
Getting swept up in close-to-home emotions with The Windrush Suite
As the ensemble reached its first crescendo, the hairs on my arms tingled; heart tangled with my own grief of losing my grandmother, who too arrived in England by boat in the 60s. Memories of her high-pitched laugh rose and fell along with Afronaut Zu’s rhythmical quinto and tumba. The gentle notes that rang each time Orphy Robinson MBE struck the marimba soothed my tears before they could tumble. Although I sat perfectly still, something within moved.
Breaking the enchantment with a loaded question, Renell asked the crowd if they knew what “Bacchanal” meant. He responded to the crowd’s murmurs with “Yuh ah guh learn today”. “Bacchanal” carries the vibrancy of Caribbean fetes along with the rich tone of carnival’s rebellious history.
The high-energy drum patterns led by Romarna Campbell made it hard for people to remain seated—heads bopping, toes tapping in every direction. The temperature rose so high that bassist Mutale Chashi needed to relieve the heat with a wax-print hand fan. “Bacchanal” closed with an important reminder for all those taking to the streets for Notting Hill Carnival’s upcoming 60th anniversary: “Know what you doing before you do”.
the crispness of Ayanna’s cello wove the thread between languages, peoples, and histories that make up what it means to be Black in Britain today.
Jean Toussaint performing The Windrush Suite and Echo in the Bones | Image by Heba Elgamal
When introducing the track as the conductor and MC, Renell Shaw talked in dub, which spoke to the underground sound system culture that took form in Britain following the arrival of pioneering Jamaican soundmen. In “Out of Many”, the crispness of Ayanna’s cello wove the thread between languages, peoples, and histories that make up what it means to be Black in Britain today. More precisely, Renell’s lyrics call for a Pan-African vision, one that unapologetically seeks equality for all descendants of the African continent.
Where “Purgatory” surfaced the to-and-fro passage of the Windrush generation, and what it meant to fight against institutions that deemed their children unintelligent, “Too Loud, Too Proud” offered a distinct transition after the interval, one that wouldn’t tolerate disrespect, firmly putting its foot down with the defiant drumbeat. Unflinching, Afronaut Zu sang: “No surrender, no retreat, continue rising”. If “Too Loud, Too Proud” were a question, there’s no doubt in my mind that it’s rhetorical, with Charlie Laffer’s bold guitar solo as the exclamation point.
Bridging the gap between then and now through Echo in the Bones
With the second suite, Echo in the Bones, Renell and his band found another notch of energy. As his conducting grew more emphatic on stage, more layers of the suite’s rich orchestration unfolded into full-bodied jazz.
“With the tenacity and the persistence of our grandparents, their fire is like a blue flame.”
Renell Shaw performing The Windrush Suite at Kings Place | Image by Heba Elgamal.
As Renell told WorlMag: “Echo in the Bones has a different fire [from The Windrush Suite]… with the tenacity and the persistence of our grandparents, their fire is like a blue flame. It was focused, and it cut through. It set itself here through community and resilience and things like pardner, and all things to make sure they could… buy a house, make a likkle change, and eventually go back home—that was their focus,” said Renell.
“Whereas with our parents’ generation, the fire is more yellow, it’s a bit more wild. You go near it, and it’s lashing out at you because they had to be like that to be left alone. That’s where Echo in the Bones is from, and that’s why it sounds so different from The Windrush Suite,” he added.
In “Freedom?”, the brass section formed harmonies that bellowed the power of generations coming together to make a stand. Using poetic license in his songwriting, Renell asked questions that demanded answers:
Sell me my freedom? / How you gone sell me my freedom like rah — “Freedom?” from Echo in the Bones.
Before presenting “Echo of a Requiem,” Renell shared that he doesn’t believe in death as an end but a transition. This composition brought tears to my eyes once more. The build-up felt like a visceral call to the ancestors. It culminated in an ethereal operatic cry from Rochelle Rose. She held every note with a delicacy that Black people in Britain too often aren’t granted. Her voice stirred me with shudders.
Reaching the grand finale
Orphy Robinson MBE playing the marimba | Image by Heba Elgamal.
Cello embraced, Ayanna strummed her way through the clusters of standing ovations to bring her solo to the fore. Displaying his own exceptional dexterity on “This Mind Knows,” Orphy Robinson danced across the marimba in a way I didn’t even know was possible.
After the impossible sound of Jean Toussaint’s tenor sax, the to-and-fro conversations between trumpet and trombone, and each artist’s solo offering, the band closed their electric performance with “Mad Ting”.
“But the seeds of the land have taught man how to grow strange fruit from this stormy weather” — “Mad Ting” from Echo in the Bones.
The lyrics in this explosive and unyielding record neatly summarised the resilience Black people have shown while residing in Britain, bridging the final gap between past, present, and future generations.
Renell Shaw returns to Kings Place with Remember Us Tomorrow on 9 October 2026. Tickets are on sale now.
