A Night of Reggae, Dancehall, R&B, and Unforgettable Performances at SummerStage 2026

Photos & Story by Michael Ivory Photography

New York City's SummerStage has spent four decades bringing world-class performances to neighborhood parks across the five boroughs, but few evenings capture the spirit of New York's cultural diversity quite like Shaggy's Yaad Live. Held at the iconic Rumsey Playfield in Central Park as part of the festival's 40th anniversary season, the free concert transformed one of the city's most famous outdoor venues into a vibrant celebration of Caribbean music, reggae, dancehall, and R&B. The event was presented in association with VP Records and Shaggy's Boombastic Radio (SiriusXM), reinforcing the continued influence of Caribbean music on the global stage.

From the moment fans streamed through the gates, the atmosphere was electric. Thousands gathered beneath the trees of Central Park, representing every age and every background. Families, longtime reggae fans, tourists, and New Yorkers alike came together to celebrate music that has crossed generations and continents.

Headlining the evening was international reggae superstar Shaggy, whose catalog of timeless hits has made him one of the most recognizable voices in reggae worldwide. Fresh off the release of his latest album Lottery, Shaggy curated a night that felt less like a concert and more like a family reunion—a fitting interpretation of the Jamaican word "Yaad," meaning home.

The evening featured an impressive lineup of special guests including Robin Thicke, Tanto Metro & Devonte, Rayvon, NESTA, Amber Lee, Matthew Malcolm, Shuga, along with additional performers and hosts that celebrated the diversity of Caribbean music and culture. DJ sets from Tropical Blendz and Afrique kept the energy high between performances while DJ Norie, Roxy Romeo, and Li'l Nat guided audiences through an unforgettable night.

Robin Thicke Delivers Soulful R&B

One of the evening's biggest highlights came when Robin Thicke took the stage. Best known for his smooth vocals and timeless R&B hits, Thicke brought a completely different musical flavor to the reggae-centered lineup while fitting seamlessly into the night's celebration.

His performance showcased why he remains one of contemporary R&B's most recognizable voices. Under dramatic stage lighting, Thicke connected effortlessly with the audience, blending soulful melodies with the laid-back energy that defined the evening. His appearance demonstrated how music can transcend genres when the focus is simply bringing people together.

Photographing Thicke from the media pit presented an opportunity to capture intimate expressions that reflected both his vocal performance and the emotion of the moment.

Shaggy Reminds Everyone Why He's a Global Icon

When Shaggy finally stepped into the spotlight, the crowd erupted.

From the opening moments of his set, his unmistakable voice immediately transported the audience through decades of reggae and dancehall classics. His stage presence remains every bit as charismatic today as it has throughout his remarkable career.

Whether interacting with the audience between songs or sharing the stage with fellow performers, Shaggy radiated the relaxed confidence that has become his trademark. Every performance felt genuine, reminding everyone why he continues to be one of reggae's greatest ambassadors.

The atmosphere throughout Central Park reflected exactly what Shaggy intended—community, culture, and celebration.

Rayvon Brings Classic Dancehall Energy

Longtime Shaggy collaborator Rayvon delivered one of the evening's standout performances.

Known for helping create several reggae classics, Rayvon's vocals instantly energized longtime fans who have followed his collaborations with Shaggy over the years. His performance blended nostalgia with contemporary energy, proving that timeless reggae never goes out of style.

Capturing Rayvon through the lens revealed an artist completely immersed in the music—each expression, each movement, and each lyric reflecting decades of performance experience.

A Showcase of Emerging Caribbean Talent

One of the strengths of Shaggy's Yaad Live was its commitment to highlighting both legendary performers and rising artists.

Throughout the evening, artists including NESTA, Amber Lee, Matthew Malcolm, and Shuga demonstrated the depth of today's Caribbean music scene.

Amber Lee's confident stage presence and expressive performance brought youthful energy to the festival. NESTA delivered a powerful set showcasing the evolution of modern reggae, while Matthew Malcolm blended country influences with reggae rhythms in a uniquely authentic style. Shuga added her own dynamic performance, further emphasizing the diversity represented throughout the lineup.

Each artist received an enthusiastic response from the audience, reinforcing SummerStage's reputation for introducing New York audiences to both established icons and future stars.

Dancehall Legends Return

Fans were equally excited to see dancehall pioneers Tanto Metro & Devonte.

Their appearance celebrated an era of dancehall that helped define Caribbean music throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. Their chemistry on stage reminded audiences why their music continues to influence artists around the world today.

Their performance became one of several moments where generations of fans sang every lyric together, proving that great music never loses its impact.

Capturing the Emotion Behind the Music

From a photography perspective, the evening offered everything a concert photographer hopes for.

Dynamic lighting.

Powerful expressions.

Authentic emotion.

The intimacy of SummerStage's Rumsey Playfield allows photographers to create images that go beyond documenting performances—they tell stories.

Throughout the night, dramatic spotlights illuminated artists against the dark summer sky while colorful stage lighting added dimension and atmosphere. Every performer brought unique personality to the stage, creating opportunities to capture genuine moments rather than simply posed performances.

Many of the photographs from the evening highlight subtle details often overlooked during live shows—the intensity in an artist's eyes before singing a verse, the emotion of connecting with thousands of fans, and the split-second expressions that disappear almost instantly.

These are the moments live music photographers chase.

SummerStage Continues Its Legacy

Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, SummerStage remains one of New York City's greatest cultural institutions.

For four decades, the festival has provided free performances featuring internationally recognized artists while introducing audiences to emerging talent from around the world. Its commitment to accessibility allows every New Yorker the opportunity to experience world-class performances regardless of background or income.

Events like Shaggy's Yaad Live demonstrate exactly why SummerStage has remained so successful.

Music becomes more than entertainment.

It becomes community.

It becomes culture.

It becomes a shared New York experience.

Final Thoughts

As the final songs echoed through Central Park and the audience slowly made their way toward the exits, there was a collective feeling that everyone had witnessed something special.

Shaggy's Yaad Live was far more than a concert.

It was a celebration of Caribbean heritage, musical excellence, and the universal language of live performance.

For one unforgettable summer evening, Central Park became Jamaica, New York became one community, and music reminded everyone why live performances remain one of the most powerful forms of human connection.

Through my lens, I aimed to preserve not only the performances themselves but also the emotion, passion, and energy that defined the night. Every image tells part of the story of artists who continue to inspire audiences around the world and a city that continues to embrace every culture through music.

Photography & Story by Michael Ivory Photography

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