Review: Catch A Fire Celebrates Reggae Heritage
[Written by Patrick Bean]
People have long said: “‘Catch A Fire’ brings the heat” … the latest installment of the concert series last Saturday night proved they weren’t lying.
What was supposed to be an outdoor, courtyard blaze got rerouted inside CedarBridge Academy’s cafeteria thanks to Bermuda weather doing Bermuda things. With a threat of rain all evening, showers rolled in at midnight as if on the guest list.
But moving the event inside failed to kill the vibe, rather it concentrated the tone. Four walls, packed crowd, and bass that rattled the cutlery. If the courtyard was to be the fire, the cafeteria became a joyful furnace.
This wasn’t just another show. It was a 50-year anniversary celebration of two legendary sound systems: Saxon Sound from the UK and Jamaica’s MetroMedia Sound System. Two pillars of reggae/dancehall history, one stage, one night. And the crowd showed up knowing it.
On schedule, the vinyl warm-up lit the fuse for what was to come.
Doors opened and Saxon started the night the right way, with pure vinyl … no laptops, no shortcuts. Just needle drops, dubplates and culture to soothe and move the early arrivals.
That warm-up period was Saxon tipping their hat, showing the youngsters how it’s done and giving the elders that nostalgia hit. One could not help but feel positivity, for this was respect music.
Tippa Irie blessed the early crowd too, jumping on the mic while Saxon spun. His voice filled the room before the room was even full, setting the tone with veteran energy, no ego, just vibes.
Bermuda showed out too, as between the UK/Jamaica legends, “Catch A Fire” made space for home. And Bermuda’s local artists didn’t just fill gaps, impressing in every brief onstage appearance.
Following a stirring set from Mr. Magic and Souljah 1, Demara and Kush stepped up and reminded everyone of the abundant talent based in the middle of the North Atlantic.
Arijahknow Livewires showed why he’s a staple, offering tried classics with his signature delivery that had the crowd bouncing from word one. Sharp, confident, no wasted bars.
Junior C jumped in with Livewires, the pair blending seamlessly, keeping it old school clean. Classic vibes, perfect timing, all the while skillfully working a still building cafeteria crowd. Didn’t need a long set to make an impact; just dropped, delivered, and left them wanting more.
As with the others Mikey Wild came with fire. Even in a short slot he switched between tried classics and fresh cuts, showing range. The man knows how to ride a riddim and the crowd rode with him.
Short sets, big statements. Each of them used their few minutes to prove Bermuda’s bench is deep. Classics to honor the 50-year celebration, new material to show the culture’s still moving forward. The audience showed love every time, because “Catch A Fire” isn’t just about importing legends. It’s about lighting Bermuda’s own fire too.
That balance contributed to making the night feel complete, but there was more to come and the crowd loved it, as the main event caught fire.
The hall advancing toward capacity, “Catch A Fire” lived up to its name.
Saxon rolled with Tippa Irie repping the UK side, his legend status on display, voice still sharp, still commanding every corner of the room, lifting toward crescendo.
For a half hour Saxon threatened to blow the lid, before allowing MetroMedia a chance to counter with Jr Cat flying the Jamaican flag.
Old school dancehall science. Call and response, clash energy, but all love. Two sound systems, one celebration.
Prior to the final stanza promoter Jamal Hart orchestrated a ceremonial presentation, offering thanks in the form of finely cut crystal replica microphone trophies handed to both sounds in honour of their contributions to the dancehall genre over a combined 100 years.
Saxon and MetroMedia aside Souljah 1 was prominent all night, holding the middle with bumping old school riddims that had the whole cafeteria swaying. Mr. Magic bridged the UK/Jamaica perspective perfectly, giving proof that Bermuda’s roots run deep in this culture.
While the general crowd packed the floor, the VIP section was well appointed and didn’t feel like an afterthought. Food and drinks flowed, premium bottle service kept the upscale patrons satisfied.
In a cafeteria, that’s not always easy to pull off, but Hart and his team made it feel exclusive without killing the unity.
The weather gamble paid off because the organizers moved decisively. Rain hit at midnight, but inside it just made the bass hit harder.
Steam on the windows, sweat on the walls, and not one person checking their phone for weather updates because the show was working … outside conditions did not matter.
50 years of Saxon. 50 years of MetroMedia. “Catch A Fire” didn’t just book legends, it honoured them. Vinyl roots, dancehall energy, Bermuda heart, and a crowd that remembered why culture matters.
Moved inside by rain. Kept alive by music. Another fire lit.
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