There’s nothing quite like seeing one of your favorite American reggae bands and one of your favorite Jamaican artists share the same stage—and on The Visions Tour 2025, The Movement and Kabaka Pyramid proved exactly why they sit at the top of the reggae world right now. Rolling into Pittsburgh (Millvale), PA on the heels of The Movement’s newest album Visions, the night was packed with love, energy, explosive performances, and the unmistakable spirit of one love.
Mr. Smalls, with its cathedral bones, warm acoustics, and wraparound balconies, was the perfect temple for the night’s sermon of sound.
The evening kicked off with a meet-and-greet where a group of diehard fans got to watch The Movement during sound check. The vibe was pure joy—jokes flying, songs riffed on, fans smiling ear to ear. I tagged along for photos and a few minutes with the band afterward. Every time I’m reminded: these guys are truly as genuine, humble, and grounded as reggae gets.
As The Bebble Rockers stepped onto the stage, the crowd snapped to attention—they knew what was coming. The band built the anticipation until Kabaka Pyramid emerged to a roar, launching straight into “Light It Up.” The crowd did exactly that. He slid seamlessly into “Ready Fi Di Road,” flowing with a smoothness that reminded everyone why he’s one of the top lyricists in reggae today. Hearing those two rare tracks back-to-back set the tone: this set was going to be special. “Rock Mi Nice,” “Reggae Music,” and “Nice Up the Dance” kept the room swaying—old-school reggae flavors with that signature Kabaka fire. Even though I’ve heard him perform them countless times, they hit with the same joy every single show.
“Everywhere I Go” landed heavy, Kabaka’s delivery sharp and passionate. From there, he took us back to his Lead the Way EP with “Herb Defenda,” commanding the mic with the kind of conviction only he can bring. Before continuing, Kabaka spoke about the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa on Jamaica, urging fans to donate. He promised to be at the merch table meeting fans and signing autographs as they contributed—a beautiful, grounded moment that showed exactly who he is. He followed with the tender, patriotic “Jamaica,” then shifted into the lovers-rock glow of “Show Love.” “Stand Up,” one of the emotional high points of The Kalling, hit as powerfully as ever. You could feel it ripple through the room.
But the biggest surprise of the night came when Kabaka dropped “The Revival,” then pivoted into the opening line of Damian Marley’s “Welcome to Jamrock.” As Kabaka sang, “Out in the streets they call it?” the crowd yelled, “MURDER!” The crowd erupted. Hearing him deliver that anthem over The Bebble Rockers’ riddim was a massive, unforgettable moment. He closed strong with “Well Done” (a perfect song for the times we all live in—not just the corrupt Jamaican government, but our government here as well), “Red Gold and Green” (with Kabaka’s manager joyously waving the Ethiopian flag), and the title track “The Kalling.” Kabaka and The Bebble Rockers delivered one of their strongest performances yet—each time I see them, the bar somehow rises.
As “Great Discovery” floated out into the air, the crowd lost it—the moment had arrived. The Movement took the stage and immediately shifted the room into full vibing mode with “Take Me To The Ocean.” Then came my personal favorite, “Orange Sky.” Hearing the entire venue sing along word for word was surreal. Even from the photo pit, I had to remind myself I was supposed to be working and not just belting it out with everyone else. “Fair Warning” slid effortlessly into “High Roller,” Matt and Kyle ripping through the horn lines with precision and energy. “Cool Me Down” gave the room a needed breather, but the crowd never lost its groove. “Ways of the World,” “Redwoodz,” and a powerful, bass-heavy “Break In The Glass” kept the energy high.
From the new Visions album, “This Is Your Life” absolutely crushed. Jason and Gary drove the rhythm, Josh commanded the stage, and the horns shined—one of the standout moments of the whole show. “Alien,” “Siren,” and a massive sing-along to “Habit” had the whole room glowing. When Josh asked the crowd to lift their lighters and phones, nearly 900 lights swayed like fireflies as he sang, “I live and I learn, all I wanna do is burn…” It was a beautiful, goosebumps moment.
The new tracks “Live It Up” and “Visions” sounded incredible live—lush, bright, and full of that island-soul sweetness that defines the new album. Watching the crowd from the balcony was stunning: pure joy, nonstop movement, and endless good vibes. They closed the main set with “Loud Enough”—and trust me, it absolutely was. The room shook.
The Movement returned for the encore with “Putting Up 2” and “Deep Blue Sea”—two gorgeous tracks that showcase each band member’s skill. The entire room throwing up peace signs during “Putting Up 2” was a moment I won’t forget.
But the night wasn’t over.
Kabaka Pyramid and The Bebble Rockers stormed back on stage, joining The Movement for one massive, unforgettable finale: the classic reggae anthem “Ring The Alarm.” It was pure celebration—two powerhouse acts sharing one riddim, one love, one stage. A perfect ending.
This night was everything reggae should be: unity, energy, heart, and musicianship on full display. Both The Movement and Kabaka Pyramid keep getting better every year, and The Visions Tour 2025 is proof of that. If this tour comes anywhere near you—run, don’t walk. You’ll leave feeling lifted. This wasn’t just a concert. It was a celebration of life, love, roots, and reggae at its finest.
One Love. — Todd M. Judd
Photojournalist - Pennsylvania
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