‘One Love’ At Valentine’s Day 9 Mile Music Festival

Last year’s 9 Mile Music Festival was disappointing with obnoxious 411 Pain commercials playing in between performances and the Marley brothers showing up late for their set. But the festival made up for it this time around.

Taking place yet again at the Miami-Dade County Fairgrounds on Feb. 14, the 22 annual 9 Mile Music Festival kicked off Valentine’s Day weekend by featuring some of reggae’s most influential artists.

Hosted by 103.5 The Beat Miami’s Hip Hop and R&B station, the night was full of love as families and friends of all ages jammed to positive music and grubbed on Caribbean cuisine. The Beat’s radio personality Papa Keith, brought his young daughter to the show and put her on stage to say hello to the audience. Reggae rapper Matisyahu, was in the crowd trying to blend in and enjoy the evening.  

As the sun began to set, reggae’s most energetic performer Capleton took the stage giving an electrifying performance with some of his hit singles like No Guns.

After tiring the audience, SOJA played some chill tunes like no other tunes heard at the festival. The American Grammy-nominated band is made up of eight band members all ranging from lead vocalist, to drummer, guitarist, and keyboardist. The saxaphone and trumpet player both give the band a bit of a New Orleans feel making it by far the best live performance of the night.  

As the night progressed, the air grew colder, and fans were becoming more eager as they waited for the Marleys’ to take the stage.

First to warm up the crowd was the son of Stephen Marley, Jo Mersa Marley. His deep and profound vocals captivated the audience as he sang some of his singles like Bad So.

After a few songs, Jo Mersa brought out Jesse Royal (who performed earlier) for Modern Day Judas.

Then the moment of truth came when the Marley brothers were introduced and fans went crazy. Stephen, Julian, and Damian Marley took turns performing some of their greatest hits. Stephen Marley performed Traffic Jam among others and during his performance of Rock Stone Capleton made another appearance, once again bouncing all over the stage.  

Just like every year, the brothers perform some of Bob Marley’s classics such as Could You Be Loved and ended the night with their father’s greatest hit One Love.

Bob Marley is the epitome of peace, love, and happiness and his songs are classics that will continue to touch souls for generations to come. Hopefully, the 9 Mile Music Festival will be around to help with that vision for many more years to come.