Quito Rymer Bids Farewell to Legendary Reggae Career in Final Concert

A sea of reggae enthusiasts descended on Cane Garden Bay Beach Saturday night, July 13, for a historic event that marked the end of Quito Rymer’s music career.

After 40 years, Quito, the beloved reggae icon, took the stage for the final time with his band Quito & The Edge, delivering a memorable performance that encapsulated his decades-long influence on the genre.

Hosted by Heritage, the retirement concert showcased Quito’s enduring legacy in the British Virgin Islands and beyond. Quito opened with his timeless hit “Iron Strong,” immediately captivating the audience with his distinctive voice and charismatic presence.

Rymer, backed by Too Smooth Band, continued to delight fans with a setlist of classics. The crowd swayed and sang along to “She’s Coming,” “The Reggae Express,” and “Little Rudder Dub Dub,” each song a reminder of Rymer’s profound impact on reggae music.

In a deeply personal moment, Quito paused to perform an acoustic tribute to his mom and dad, expressing gratitude for their unwavering support throughout his journey.

The evening reached its zenith as Rymer performed “This is My Father’s Land,” a homage to his roots and heritage. The emotional weight of the song resonated deeply with the audience, many of whom have followed Rymer’s career since its inception.

Just as the night seemed to be winding down with the heartfelt “Bye, Bye, Bye My Little Love,” Quito exited the stage to applause, only to return for one last encore. He performed “We’re All Alike,” a powerful anthem calling for unity and the eradication of discrimination and hate. The song’s message of equality and togetherness was a fitting end to a career dedicated to spreading love and positivity through music.

In a touching final moment, Rymer sang an acappella rendition of “ooh Tortola,” a soulful tribute to the island he calls home. The crowd fell silent, hanging on every note, before erupting into a final wave of applause.

Photo: Kelvin Titleyt