On August 17, 2025, reggae royalty was celebrated in grand style at the Art of Music Festival at the scenic Sunset Cove Amphitheater in Boca Raton, Florida. Thousands of fans, families, and friends came together for Freddie McGregor & Friends, a star-studded tribute to one of Jamaica’s most beloved icons.
Freddie McGregor & Friends Meet & Greet
The celebrations began a day earlier at a Freddie McGregor & Friends Meet & Greet hosted at Dunns River Island Café in Hallandale Beach. The intimate gathering gave fans and media a chance to mix, mingle, and meet the Big Ship Captain himself. Among those in attendance were Freddie and Chino McGregor, Ed Robinson, Frisco Kid, Tifa, Copeland Forbes, Steve James (Reggaeville), and DJ Smokey Fyah (Supa Sound).
Spectacular Performances
The line-up was nothing short of spectacular, featuring Luciano, Spragga Benz, Chino and Stephen ‘Di Genius’ McGregor, Frisco Kid, Alaine, Pressure, Gyptian, Shuga, Perfect Giddimani, Everton Blender, Tony Curtis, Teflon, Sharon Marley, Twiggi, and Shemar. Hosting the evening was Jody-Ann Gray, with special appearances from selector Supa Twitch, Oliver Mair (Jamaica’s Consul General to Miami and the Southern USA), and Kabaka Pyramid, fresh off his Grammy win for The Kalling.
Freddie ‘Big Ship Captain’ McGregor
Born Frederick McGregor in Clarendon, Jamaica, Freddie entered music at a tender age. In 1963, he formed The Clarendonians alongside Ernest Wilson and Peter Austin and recorded with the legendary Studio One label. By the 1970s, he was working with producer Niney the Observer and embraced the Rastafarian faith through the Twelve Tribes.
McGregor’s star rose in the 1980s with the hit “Bobby Babylon”, followed by timeless anthems such as “Push Comes to Shove,” “Just Don’t Want to Be Lonely,” “Born a Winner,” and the international classic “Big Ship”, which earned him the enduring nickname Big Ship Captain.
In 1983, he launched the Big Ship label, producing work for talents including Luciano, Papa San, Lieutenant Stitchie, Tiger, and Mikey Spice. Over the decades, his extensive tours, prolific catalogue, and countless albums have cemented him as a pillar of reggae music. His legacy was further recognised in 2013 when he received the Marcus Garvey Lifetime Achievement Award from the Institute of Caribbean Studies. Today, his sons Chino and Di Genius carry forward the family’s musical tradition, with Di Genius widely regarded as one of Jamaica’s top producers.
A Touching I-Threes Tribute
One of the most powerful moments of the night was a heartfelt tribute to the I-Threes—the legendary female trio who supported Bob Marley. Led by Sharon Marley, daughter of Bob, the segment also featured Shema McGregor, daughter of Freddie McGregor and original I-Threes member Judy Mowatt. Together, they honoured the contributions of Marcia Griffiths, Judy Mowatt, and Rita Marley, whose harmonies became the backbone of Marley’s sound until his passing in 1981.
The tribute included Rita’s classic “One Draw”, with Cedella Marley present in the audience to share in the special moment.
Celebration of McGregors Legacy
The 2025 Art of Music Festival was a vibrant celebration of Freddie McGregor’s enduring legacy and a testament to the timeless power of reggae music. From nostalgic classics to uplifting performances by today’s stars, the festival captured the spirit of Jamaica’s musical journey.
As the evening closed, one truth rang clear: the Big Ship still sails strong, and Captain Freddie McGregor remains at the helm of reggae’s rich history.
