An intimate evening of roots reggae, Rastafarian culture, musical unity, and community at Santi Lounge.
On November 7, 2026, Rootical Productions brought together reggae artists, musicians, and supporters for Roots in the Garden, an intimate outdoor gathering at Santi Lounge in Tampa, Florida.
Presented under the theme “Keeping Reggae Music Sacred,” the event offered more than a traditional concert experience. It was an opportunity to celebrate roots reggae in an environment centered on cultural appreciation, spiritual reflection, and genuine connection.
A Space Prepared with Intention
The atmosphere at Santi Lounge reflected the thoughtful approach behind Roots in the Garden. The outdoor garden provided a beautiful and serene environment, allowing attendees to relax, connect, and experience the music in a welcoming, family-friendly setting.
Before the live performances began, Maharri of Rootical Productions helped establish the tone through affirmations and a ceremonial blessing.
These opening moments encouraged reflection and spiritual grounding, reinforcing the intention behind the gathering: creating a space where reggae music could be experienced not simply as entertainment, but as an expression of culture, consciousness, and community.
Rootical Productions Sets the Foundation
As the gathering got underway, Roots of Rootical Productions warmed up the audience with a selection of roots reggae music, establishing the musical foundation for the live performances ahead.
The event featured Official Lion of Judah and Haile Celestial, with musical support from FlöSTATE, bringing together artists whose performances reflected the traditions and messages of conscious reggae music.
Members of the wider reggae community were also present, including Jah David of Zion High Productions, adding to the sense of connection and shared appreciation for the culture.
Throughout the evening, the intimate setting encouraged interaction between artists, musicians, organizers, and attendees, creating an atmosphere that felt more like a gathering of the reggae community than a conventional concert.
Official Lion of Judah Opens with Roots and Nyabinghi
Official Lion of Judah delivered the first live performance, combining conscious reggae selections with acoustic guitar, chanting, and Nyabinghi drumming.
His set reflected the spiritual and cultural foundations of roots reggae, moving through original selections and moments of musical tribute.
One memorable moment came during his performance of “Ras To The Bone,” a tribute to Akae Beka. As Haile Celestial passed near the stage, he called for a pull-up, prompting Official Lion of Judah to restart the selection.
It was a spontaneous moment that reflected the mutual respect between the artists and their shared appreciation for the music.
Original Music, Conscious Messages
Throughout his performance, Official Lion of Judah shared original music rooted in conscious expression and Rastafarian tradition.
His combination of vocals, acoustic guitar, and Nyabinghi rhythms brought an intimate and authentic dimension to the gathering, allowing the music and its message to connect directly with the audience.
The following performance highlights one of his original selections from Roots in the Garden.
A Special Presentation to Roots
Another meaningful moment came when Official Lion of Judah presented Roots with a signed 12-inch vinyl copy of his JAHcoustic album.
The record, signed by Official Lion of Judah and band members, was a personal gesture of appreciation for the work behind Roots in the Garden.
More than a piece of music memorabilia, the presentation represented the connection between artists and the organizers who continue creating opportunities for roots reggae music and culture to flourish.
Haile Celestial and FlöSTATE Carry the Energy Forward
Following Official Lion of Judah’s set, Haile Celestial took the stage with FlöSTATE as his backing band.
The performance opened with the powerful heartbeat rhythm of the Nyabinghi drums, provided by Official Lion of Judah, who remained to support his fellow artist after completing his own set.
As the drums established the rhythm, the audience joined in with clapping, creating a collective opening that reflected the Rastafarian spirit of the gathering.
Haile Celestial continued with a set of original selections and live medleys, including “Govern I Path / The Wire,” “Earthquake / Chariot,” “Destiny / For You,” “Dem A Puss,” “Walking Parable,” and “The One / Curry.”
Throughout the performance, FlöSTATE provided the musical foundation while Official Lion of Judah’s Nyabinghi drumming added another dimension to the live experience.
The collaboration was a powerful reminder of the unity that can be created when musicians come together in service of the music.
An Encore That Celebrated the Musicians
As Haile Celestial’s set came to a close, the audience called for an encore.
FlöSTATE responded with a rhythm, giving Haile Celestial an opportunity to deliver an impromptu freestyle. Official Lion of Judah joined him, adding his own freestyle while recognizing the individual musicians who helped bring the evening to life.
The FlöSTATE musicians included:
- Ras Mike – Trumpet
- Brandon – Saxophone
- Ccapone – Keyboard
- Freddie – Bass
- Patch – Drums
- Dominic – Guitar
Elliott, one of FlöSTATE’s vocalists, was also invited onto the stage to deliver a song while Haile Celestial and Official Lion of Judah continued sharing the moment.
The spontaneous finale highlighted the musicianship, friendship, and collective energy that made the gathering special.
Before the evening concluded, the artists thanked everyone in attendance and offered wishes of guidance and protection for their journeys home.
Special appreciation was extended to Roots and Maharri of Rootical Productions for organizing the gathering, along with Santi Lounge for providing the beautiful and serene garden setting.
More Than a Concert
What made Roots in the Garden memorable was not simply the music performed, but the atmosphere in which it was shared.
From Maharri’s opening affirmations to the Nyabinghi heartbeat rhythm, the interaction between the artists, the presentation of the signed JAHcoustic vinyl, and the spontaneous encore, the gathering reflected the deeper values associated with roots reggae.
Rootical Productions created an opportunity for artists and supporters to come together in a setting that encouraged reflection, cultural expression, and community.
Events like Roots in the Garden play an important role in preserving the traditions and messages that continue to make reggae music meaningful across generations.
The evening served as a reminder that reggae is more than music. It is also a vehicle for consciousness, unity, and cultural preservation.
Watch the Performances
Reggae Therapy was present to document Roots in the Garden, capturing the live performances and memorable moments that made the gathering special.
Official Lion of Judah – Live at Roots in the Garden 2026
Experience Official Lion of Judah’s live performance, featuring conscious reggae selections, Nyabinghi drumming, and original music.
Full Playlist on Reggae Therapy’s YouTube Channel
Haile Celestial – Live at Roots in the Garden 2026
Haile Celestial’s performances, backed by FlöSTATE and supported by Official Lion of Judah on Nyabinghi drums, will begin appearing on the Reggae Therapy YouTube channel this weekend.
From powerful live medleys to the audience-requested encore, the upcoming videos will capture the musical unity and energy of the evening.
Stay connected with Reggae Therapy as we continue sharing the performances and preserving the moments that made Roots in the Garden memorable.
Visit Reggae Therapy for additional live performances, artist features, and reggae event coverage.
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Photography and event coverage by Reggae Therapy.