On August 8, two days after Jamaica celebrates its 63rd anniversary as an independent nation, Dawn Penn will perform at the Kingston 10 Restaurant in Bahrain. The eatery opened in early June, committed to making Jamaican culture popular in the Middle East country.

Kingston 10 is owned by Kenya Don, a Kenyan entrepreneur who has promoted reggae shows in Bahrain and Dubai for over 10 years. It is managed by Codon Robinson, a Jamaican with several years experience in the culinary industry.

He said Penn — best known for the 1967 hit song, ‘You Don’t Love Me (No, No, No’) — will be the first of many reggae acts at Kingston 10.

“Reggae plays a central role in the restaurant. It’s more than just background music, it’s the heartbeat of the space. Through curated playlists and themed nights, reggae helps us bring the full Jamaican experience to life,” Robinson explained.

Kingston 10 is located in the fashionable Juffair district, at the Elite Crystal Hotel. Robinson heads a nine-member staff which includes two Jamaican chefs.

Curried goat, jerked chicken, oxtail and beef patties, popular Jamaican dishes that have found favor with celebrities in North America and Europe, are some of the items on the restaurant’s menu.

“There’s a growing appetite in the Middle East for bold, global flavors, and we wanted to bring the true taste and spirit of Jamaica to this part of the world. Not just the food, but the full cultural experience,” said Robinson.

Bahrain has a population of just over 1.5 million, many of whom are expatriates from Asia who work in the country’s thriving oil and petroleum industries. There are also pockets of Jamaicans and Trinidadians.

Recognising Bahrain’s diverse demographics, Kenya Don began promoting reggae events there, following the success of his shows in Dubai, another Middle Eastern country with similar attributes.

Penn’s appearance at Kingston 10, Robinson noted, completes its rounded package.

“I’ve been involved in hospitality and events for a while, so opening Kingston 10 was something I was passionate about from the start. I wanted to create a space that brings real Jamaican culture to life — through the food, the energy, and the overall experience,” he said.

(Photo contributed)