The Tribune

THE popular One Blood reggae concert will celebrate its 30th edition on December 19 with an all-inclusive experience inside the historic Fort Charlotte moat, featuring live entertainment, premium drinks and an expanded culinary offering.

Organisers announced the plans during a press conference yesterday, revealing that the event, dubbed “One Blood 30: The Deluxe All-Inclusive Edition”, will have limited attendance, with tickets starting at $160.

Tickets go on sale today at noon, with reserved tables also available.

Since its launch in 2004, One Blood has become a fixture on the Bahamian entertainment calendar, bringing together reggae enthusiasts for an evening of classic music, dancing and reunions.

Concepts Marketing Solutions principal Leah Davis said the milestone edition would build on that tradition while introducing a more elevated experience.

“Since 2004, One Blood has grown from a love of reggae into a tradition, a reunion of sorts where friends connect, memories are made, and generations share the same dance floor,” she said.

“For our 30th edition, we are honouring that spirit while elevating the experience, with premium drinks, delicious food, thoughtfully designed spaces, and limited attendance.”

The event will feature Bahamian entertainer Fanchawn alongside the Higher Level Band and DJ Tank, as well as Jamaican-born, New York-based DJs Noah Powa and Polish.

Organisers said the entertainment would combine reggae classics and dancehall favourites, maintaining the musical identity that has attracted patrons over the years.

A representative of the Higher Level Band said the group was pleased to participate in an event that has established itself as a leading celebration of classic reggae music in The Bahamas.

He said the concert offered more than entertainment, evoking memories of the music and experiences shared by generations who grew up listening to reggae during the 1980s and 1990s.

The move to Fort Charlotte follows last year's event at Fort Montagu. Organisers confirmed that the concert would take place inside the moat rather than on the fort grounds, creating an intimate setting with limited capacity.

Chef Simeon Hall Jr, who is serving as a brand ambassador and culinary adviser, said greater intention was being placed on the food experience this year.

“We've always had really, really good beverage service there, and we've always had a food component, but this year we're going to be a little bit more intentional with that,” he said. “We have some vendors that we are already speaking to to make sure that we provide a food experience that is very, very unique, but definitely on brand.”

The concert will also introduce a dress code themed “Reggae Royalty”, encouraging patrons to wear green, gold, ivory and touches of red, combining Caribbean elegance with comfortable attire suitable for dancing.

Sound Investments will provide audio, lighting and visual production, while Commonwealth Brewery Limited is among the event's corporate partners.

Beyond the entertainment, organisers said community outreach would remain an important part of One Blood.

Following previous charitable initiatives, including support for Hands for Hunger and hurricane relief efforts in Jamaica, patrons will be invited to vote through the event's social media platforms on a community initiative to support during the holiday season.