Much has changed since Barrington Levy last came to Bermuda but he says one thing stays the same: it’s still beautiful.

Mr Levy told The Royal Gazette he is thrilled to be back on the Island and preparing for tonight’s One Love, One Life concert at Par-la-Ville car park.

“I’m looking forward to a happy vibe with happy people and just performing a good show,” said the Jamaican reggae artist.

“I’m excited to be back in Bermuda after seven years. So much has changed, but it’s still beautiful.”

Mr Levy will be entertaining an estimated crowd of about 2,000 with all his well-known hits as well as songs from Acoustica Levy, which he released in May — his first album for 21 years.

“I’ll be singing a few songs from the album as well as the songs that everyone knows and loves,” he said.

“With this new acoustic album, I didn’t want to make something that sounded the same.

“It’s a more smooth album, something you chill out to on your porch with your friends or while doing your house work. I have also received a Grammy nomination for it and I am planning go on tour, launching in September.

“The most important thing when it comes to making great music is that the fans love it as much as you do.”

Tonight’s concert is the first instalment of the Cup Match Summer Splash event; a second event, also at Par-la-Ville car park, takes place on Wednesday. Over the next nine days, there are numerous parties for Cup Match revellers to get excited about.

According to Andrew Holmes, a promoter from 441 Productions, who is organising the Summer Splash, it is going to be a Cup Match to remember.

“What I am looking forward to personally about Cup Match Summer Splash is the diversity of people that come together just to see the acts we selected,” Mr Holmes said.

“There’s young, old, black, white, tourists and locals that come out and enjoy the events.

“Based on last year, I’d say we are expecting about 2,000 people on Saturday to attend the concerts and close to 4,000 on Wednesday night.

“You have to be strong while preparing for a popular event like this every year. Every moment presents a challenge and you need to have a good team behind you.

“We have the support of excellent local vendors and sponsors every year. Corporation of Hamilton has also helped us immensely with preparing the car park and the clean-up — we couldn’t do the event without their support.

“We have invested in some upgrades this year with LED screens in the back of the stage so the audience can see close ups of the artists as well as better audio equipment.

“Rain, blow or shine the events will go on. The stage, VIP area, gates and bars are all covered — anyone in attendance can feel free to bring umbrellas.”

Vejay Steede, spokesman for the Soca vs Reggae concert at Tiger Bay on Friday night, said: “We are looking forward to the best party event of the summer, especially because it is a tie breaker year for both genres.

“We love the music and the culture as a whole so that’s why we do it.

“We are very proud that our event has become a part of Bermuda Cup Match tradition.

“We are not just businessmen or average promoters, we have a strong love for what we do each year and the productions we put on.”

One man who is already having the time of his life is Javon Burchall — Mr Levy’s taxi driver.

“He’s a great artist and musician,” said Mr Burchall. “He’s humble, and one of the best music men. He loves the island. I’m happy to be driving him.”

Here’s what’s on over the Cup Match:

• Cup Match Summer Splash: One Love, One Life concert hosted by Uzimon, featuring Barrington Levy and Morgan Heritage — Saturday, July 25, 8pm to 2am, at Par-la-Ville car park

• Xtra Mad Monday: Cup Match 2015 kick-off party — Monday, July 27, 10am to 3am, at Club Aqua, Snorkel Park, Dockyard

• Passion: A pre Cup Match cruise aboard the Ubervida — Tuesday, July 28, 7pm to 11pm, departing from #1 Dock, Front Street Hamilton

• Cup Match Summer Splash: Cup Match Eve concert hosted by Uzimon (pictured), featuring Major Lazer — Wednesday, July 29, 8pm to 2am at Par-la-Ville car park

• 2015 Cup Match Classic day one — Thursday, July 30, 10am to 6pm, at Wellington Oval, St George’s Cricket Club

• Chewstick: Emancipation Celebration Concert featuring international reggae stars Wayne Wonder (pictured) and Tanya Stephens — Thursday, July 30, 9pm to 2am, at #1 car park.

• The Ultimate Thirsty Thursday Cup Match party featuring DJ Ohmz — Thursday, July 30, 10pm to 3am, at Club Aqua, Snorkel Park, Dockyard

• 2015 Cup Match Classic day two — Friday, July 31, 10am to 6pm, at Wellington Oval, St George’s Cricket Club

• Kiss Me I’m Uber: Trip to the Game — Friday, July 31, 10am to 6pm, departing from #1 Dock, Front Street Hamilton

• Blue Moon Cup Match Party — Friday, July 31, 5pm to midnight, at Tobacco Bay Beach, St George’s

• Soca vs Reggae: Cloud 9 Edition featuring 5 Star Akil, Shal Marshall, Gyptian and RDX — Friday, July 31, 9pm to 3am, at Tiger Bay

• Cup Match Fever: The Afterparty — Friday, July 31, 8pm to 3am, at St David’s Cricket Club

• 43rd annual Non-Mariners Race hosted by Sandys Boat Club — Sunday, August 2, 10am to 7pm, at Mangrove Bay, Somerset

• #SundayFunday Non-Mariners cruise — Sunday, August 2, 11am to 7pm, aboard the MV Elizabeth, departing from Albuoy’s Point

• Ubervida Non-Mariners cruise — Sunday, August 2, 10am to 6pm, aboard the Ubervida, departing from #1 Dock, Front Street, Hamilton

• Calico Jacks and Gosling’s Rum-Mariners cruise — Sunday, August 2, 10am to 6pm, aboard Calico Jacks, departing from Albuoy’s Point