Good vibes, great music at Bob Marley Tribute concert

The natural mystic, along with the strong frontal breeze, was definitely blowing in the air at Emancipation Park as a sizeable crowd gathered for the Bob Marley Tribute Concert last Friday. A strong line-up of artistes turned out to celebrate the King of Reggae on what would have been his 81st birthday. Such is the influence and impact of the man known globally as one of the most iconic musical figures in the crusade for black unity and redemption.

Khapun from Ghana graced the stage, sounding every bit like a Jamaican in his tone, style, and inflection, thus endearing himself to the crowd. After a brief video clip to facilitate a band change, it was time for Sangre Maiz from Mexico, who offered up both ska and reggae songs, primarily in Spanish, which the audience enjoyed. The fusion of Spanish and Jamaican culture continued with the introduction of the Out of Control Army, also from Mexico. This group came prepared to rock the crowd. They kicked their set off with an energetic ska instrumental piece accompanied by Sparrow Martin from Alpha Boys’ School, who ad libbed phrases whenever he felt them appropriate.

To say that they were the consummate show band would be an understatement as the horns men jumped off the front of the stage and ran down the centre aisle to engage with the appreciative audience who were on their feet dancing away. Giving what they called their ‘rude boy sound’, they then invited out Richie Stephens to join them and went into Simmer Down, which once again had the crowd on their feet.

The night’s other noteworthy performances came from the trio NAJ, who replicated the style of the I-Three and delivered impeccable harmonies for Lively Up Yourself and He’s A Legend. Warrior King, Etana, Jemere Morgan, and Bushman also made a showing, but everyone was waiting patiently for Stephen Marley. When the son of the Gong finally made his appearance at the front of the stage, armed with a small drum, he began his set with Sattamassagana before seguing into Easy Skankin’. By that time, people no longer bothered with seating and protocols as everyone was dancing in whatever small space they could find. The entire set was more than an hour and a half, but no one cared that it was past midnight, especially as Marley was accompanied by an exceptionally gifted flautist who delivered solo pieces in fine style.

Intent on sharing the love with as many people as possible, Stephen first invited out his brother Julian for Three Little Birds before a plethora of artistes made their way onto the stage to give their own endorsement with at least one song each. Richie Spice, Beenie Man, Junior Reid, King Kong, Ras Shiloh, Capleton, and Ghost all took the microphone before Marley ended back on the drums with Trench Town Rock.

nicola.cunningham@gleanerjm.com