REGGAE fans flocked to Saipan World Resort on Friday to see Tenelle and The Wailers perform live in concert.
Aside from the main acts, the show featured local artists and their Guam-based counterparts. The night kicked off with a performance by Jordan Paradise and Baka Den, followed by sets from Forgiving November, Silk, High Tide, Marianas Project, Josh “Zengzung” Castro and LJ Castro with special guest Netty Cee, Puha, Clawwwd, Cool 2B Conscious, and The Resistance.
Among the hundreds of CNMI residents who attended the concert was Leanna Borja. She said she was most excited to see Tenelle and couldn’t pass up the opportunity to enjoy some good reggae music.
“It’s been a while since we’ve had a show or concert here in the CNMI — since Pacific Supply did their show in 2023 — so it’s nice to have the community come out and enjoy the good vibes,” Borja told Variety.
She said she likes Tenelle because of the “girl power” in her music and her strong stage presence.
Kinna Dela Cruz had a similar reason for attending, she wanted to see Tenelle live. It was a family affair for Dela Cruz, who showed up with her two sisters and cousin. Her favorite Tenelle track, she said, was “Flava” — and it took the four of them “the whole day” to get ready.
Aside from Tenelle, she was also excited to hear The Wailers perform their biggest hits.
Vinnie Juan “The One” Sablan said going to the concert was like “killing two birds with one stone” because he got to enjoy both The Wailers and Tenelle.
Sablan said his three favorite reggae songs are “Buffalo Soldier,” “100” by Katchafire, and “Set Me Free” by Tenelle.
Eyham Danan attended with her wife, Alana, and their friend, who only wanted to be called “Mimi.”
“Honestly, I just want my wife to have fun because Tenelle is her idol,” Eyham said. “I’ve listened to some of The Wailers’ songs too, and I want to see them live.”
Alana Danan said her favorite Tenelle song is “Island King.”
“Of course, if she plays it, I’m going to sing along,” she told Variety.
Norman Skilling came with his brothers, his girlfriend, and his girlfriend’s family. Sporting braided hair, Skilling said he was there to see Tenelle and enjoy the “good vibes.”
For her part, Tenelle said “Si Yu’us Ma’åse” to the CNMI for welcoming her back to Saipan after 10 years.
“I just want to say thank you for loving me, and we’re here for a good time — we’re not here for a long time — so let’s make the best of our life wherever we are in the world,” she told Variety. “The last time I was here was with Spawnbreezie. It’s been a while, so I’m so thankful for the promoters and everyone involved. It’s not easy to throw events in the islands, as we all know, but one thing we do as islanders is come together. I’m just excited to have a great time.”
The Wailers’ lead singer, Aston Barrett Jr., said he felt “very honored and privileged” to be in the CNMI for the performance.
“Through the power and music of His Majesty and Bob Marley and The Wailers, my father [Aston Barrett Sr.] left a legacy — and to see that we’re able to go to every corner of the Earth, it makes us feel great,” he said. “To come here to Saipan is like, wow. We feel very honored.”
The Wailers traveled far to get to Saipan for their July 18 concert.
Tenelle performs on stage with The Resistance.
Island residents show Tenelle how much they’ve missed her.
Hundreds of residents were at Saipan World Resort on Friday evening for The Wailers and Tenelle live in concert.
From left, Mary Arboleda, Vinnie Sablan, and Peaches Bayot.
Mimi and her friends, Alana Danan, center, and Eyham Danan.
Norman Skilling and his fantastic braids stand in the second row to the left. He was at the concert with his family and friends.
It was a family affair for Kinna Dela Cruz, second from left, who was at the concert with her sister Amberlyn Dela Cruz, left, Netonia Dela Cruz, third from left, and Lwina Atalig, right.
Leanna Borja, Tya Terlaje, and Syl Reyes.
