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Gramps performing @ Carnivore, Nairobi
Newark, NJ – Marcia Griffiths and Sanchez entertained a maximum capacity crowd for a special Mother’s Day show. Special guest Flourgon took the stage for his own set and for some tracks with Sanchez. More info soon…click the photo to see for the full photo report!
ATLANTA, GA – 4/14/10 The Barnes & Noble in Buckhead filled up quick with excited fans for last night’s Ky-Mani Marley’s book signing. This was the 4th stop on his current tour to promote his book Dear Dad according to his website. Selling out of books nearly every night so far – the fans reception was warm and welcoming. For close to one hour, Ky-Mani intimately answered fan’s questions. The feeling was one of community, love, and understanding – as if he was casually reasoning with friends. Due to this special vibe in the store, he played an extended set of songs, including his father’s Redemption Song (with artist Kelly Love Jones on guitar), and as per request from a youth in the crowd Three Little Birds (where he actually brought the boy up to sing with him). Ky-Mani spoke in depth about growing up in the brutal streets of Miami, being taken from his homeland of Jamaica, his lack of relationship with his father, and being denied the benefits of being “a Marley” until he was a teenager. His endurance and determination to overcome hardships is inspiring and makes his book a very revealing and interesting read. Be sure to pick it up at your local book seller! Click here or on the photo below for the full photo report.
ATLANTA, GA – 4/13/10 The turn out at Atlanta’s Shrine of the Black Madonna was so much more than expected, that they had to move everyone from the bookstore into their main sanctuary in another building. When they ran out of copies of Dear Dad, they started offering posters instead. Ky-Mani graciously answered fan’s questions about the future of his music career (next album: Evolution of a Revolution coming soon), a Fall Caribbean tour with his Brothers, and answered questions about the book – which you will have to read first, we don’t want to give away any secrets! After a short 2 song performance – an unreleased track and an emotional version of Dear Dad - Mr. Marley spent time with fans, signing books & taking photos. See the full photo report here or by clicking the photos below.
MIAMI, FL – This year’s Caribbean Festival featured Tarrus Riley, Capleton, Shaggy, Ky-Mani, Stephen, Julian, and Damian Marley. Here’s the run down! The full report can be seen on Reggaeville.com!
Tarrus started the show with an early and RAINY set. Despite the downpour, which began just as he was being introduced, Tarrus came out from under the shelter of the stage to be closer to the fans and sang his heart out. Notably, he made an extra effort to entertain the crowd with sing-a-longs and audience participation. The BLAKSOIL band and Dean Fraser were high energy pumping out classics like “Lion Paw” and newer fan favorites like “Good Girl Gone Bad”. Loyalty and love of the music proved stronger than the wind and rain.
Next up was Capleton – definitely the right person to bring the fire element to the wind and rain. With an electrifying set, the sun could be seen creeping from behind the skyscrapers. Just as he was really getting going, a rainbow appeared and the rain stopped. The rest of his set was energetic as he entertained the crowd with favorites like “Jah Jah City” and new tracks like “Hation”. He played a hearty set of nearly an hour. 
Ky-Mani Marley hit the stage next with an intense “Armed & Dangerous”. He kept the intensity up with a strong militant vibe throughout his set. He definitely holds an unique edginess that makes him stand out from his brothers. The crowd loved it and he kept everyone holding their breath for when his brothers would join him … they never did.
Mr. Lover Lover was to follow. He was out to warm up the ladies as the sun was now set and there was a chill in the air. With his gyrating hips and hits like “Boombastic” and “It Wasn’t Me” really kept the crowd going and the energy in the air felt like night was just getting started. He even served the crowd a medley cover songs – current hits with a touch of classic rock.
Stephen Marley was introduced next and came out with “Exodus”. He sprinted on stage and was trailed by brothers Julian and Damian. Stephen took the lead for song 1 and then Julian and Damian each took turns pumping up the crowd. Needless to say, the fans went insane. Us photographers had to leave after 2 songs, but from word on the street says the set was a powerful 2 hours packed with Bob Marley tracks and some of their own creations.
ST. ELIZABETH, JAMAICA 1/16/2010
Rebel Salute celebrated its 16th year last week. The long-running event emphasizes a pure and conscious lifestyle and holds strictly enforced rules promoting vegetarian and drug-free lifestyles.
The dimly lit path leading up to the Port Kaiser Sports Club main gates were lined with Ital food vendors, people hustling various goods; nuts, roots tonic, and red, gold and green flags adorned with names of various artists on the bill that night. Concert-goers lined up to pass the three (!) security checks, carrying folding chairs, blankets and “reggae beds” (aka large pieces of cardboard. Entry into the venue was sluggish, but the breeze was wispy and the bass of the first acts was pulsing through the trees. Definitely a welcoming vibe.
Once inside the venue, the outskirts were the 14-hour homes for merchants of clothing, food, books, and donation booths to support Haiti. The concert’s main sponsor, Pepsi, also had a strong presence with illuminated signage throughout the venue. From the stage to the rear of the venue, there was a sloping hill, so this is where fans settled in for a long night – and a long night it was. The star-studded line-up was filled to the brim and unique to Jamaica (with no visa issues, etc), there were very few no-shows.
Between 10pm and midnight, artists Ras Penco, Tyrical, Iley Dread, Katt (vocalist for Live Wyya band), and Noddy Virtue took the stage to warm-up the growing crowd. The beautiful MCs (Isis, Jenny Jenny, Princess Kay, DJ Sunshine, Amba) were big on announcing recent accomplishments in careers and updates in rising stardom for all the artists. Something that stood out early in this concert was that many artists used their sets as a platform to support causes they are passionate about.
Gramps Morgan, recently home from the massively successful “Rasta Got Soul” tour with Buju Banton, supported his incarcerated friend by wearing a “FREE BUJU” t-shirt and asking the crowd to pray for him. Morgan’s set was the first eye-opener of the evening and he is definitely settling in comfortably to his role as lead vocalist. He even removed his famous shades for the last song.
Stevie Face and Romain Virgo were next up. Energetic stage antics and smash hits, like Virgo’s “Mi Caan Sleep” kept the crowd engaged as the sky grew darker overhead. As the bands changed (Live Wyya, Sane Band, and C Sharp would be rotating all night), Roots High Power Sound (Columbus, OH) dropped tracks by absent artists Buju and Sizzla. Needless to say, the crowd went mad.
Chevaughn took the stage with C Sharp band, which was followed by an earlier-than-expected appearance by the Host with the most, Tony Rebel. Rebel’s set was high energy and filled with fan favorites “Fresh Vegetable” and “If Jah”. Definitely one of the event’s highlights. Mid-way through the set, Chevaughn joined him back on stage for a few songs. At the end, Rebel invited a youth to come out and charm the crowd, who’s voice was so memorable, we will certainly be hearing of him again. With such an early set time, fans were left wondering who would possible come next if the headliners were coming on so soon. This made planning a nap near impossible.
As the bands changed again, Sky Juice kept everyone roaring with laughter as he sprinted back and forth across the stage, gave a partial strip tease, and displayed his startling flexibility. Don’t let the sagging abdomen fool you; this man is some kind of athlete.
The evening mellowed on with performances by veteran artists Anthony Malvo, Junior Mervin, and The Itals (with a moment of silence for the recently passed David Isaacs). The history of music on the stage was awesome. General Trees stirred things up again with songs of loving his women and gyrating hips. Peter Metro gave a passionate performance as well. The next big name was Barrington Levy, who’s set was far too short. The audience tried to chant him back for more, but he didn’t take the offer.
Queen Ifrica played next; her voice resonated stronger than ever. She played new tracks from her recent release, “Montego Bay”, but at time let her lyrics take a free transformation where passion took over and she roared like a true lioness. Ifrica also supported the youths by bringing up a 14-year-old girl from St. Elizabeth to perform the last song. These experienced singers reaching out the next generation will promote the positive message reggae music and culture has with generations to come.
Freddie McGregor followed, starting out the 4:00 hour. Jack Scorpio had the task of holding the audience attention while Steel Pulse’s equipment was set-up…which seemed to take longer than their entire set. Even with hits like “Life Without Music”, their performance wasn’t as warmly received as others. This was apparently due to the simple fact that, since they are from the UK, the audience was not as familiar with the band’s music.
At this point, eyes were tired, some were in a restful slumber, but this was all about to change. Fiyah! Fiyah! Capleton commanded the full attention of every human, animal and insect in the vicinity of St. Elizabeth. He had the crowd chanting the lyrics to “Or Wha” and debuted a song “Haitians”. All the while, everyone waved their flags and burned their fire. Kulcha Knox took the stage for a guest appearance as well.
Duane Stephenson took the stage next with a strong set. His recent tour mate, Tarrus Riley followed. Riley’s performance was one of the most dynamic of the night. Between his expressive stage presence, to his mid-song contest to see who could hold a note longer with saxophonist Dean Fraser, his set was the most memorable. Maybe it was because the sun began to rise as the notes to “She’s Royal” and “Good Girl Gone Bad” lingered, or the fact the entire audience knew every lyric and inflection and wasn’t afraid to share it. For the record, Fraser won.
Now it was crunch time, the sun was half way up and there were so many huge names left! Jah Cure’s sweet melodies helped the sun crest the horizon. He sported a t-shirt with Buju Banton’s inmate number “86700-004”, and told the crowd that Banton helped him during his struggles with the system, so now it’s his turn. He definitely left the audience longing for more Jah Cure.
Richie Spice started off the next batch of artists. His vocals were clear, crisp and penetrated the soul, but didn’t match the long silent gazes towards the audience.
The Empress vibes were up when Alaine took the stage for her set, followed by everyone’s favorite songstress, Etana. The Rebel Dawtas (Brooklyn, NY) were on the turntables. Rounding out the morning were performances by I Wayne, I Octane, Bugle and Jah Mason. These sets were more hurried, as the clock ticked on towards 10am. There was time, however, for guest appearances by Nico D (Norway) with Jah Mason and a few tracks laid down tuff by Lutan Fyah.
By the time Marion Hall aka Lady Saw and Sasco aka Assassin took the stage, the crowd has greatly dispersed and the mass exodus up the hills had begun. Konshens, Pinchers, or Junior X, didn’t seem to appear, but if you blinked, you might have missed something.
Overall, Rebel Salute hosted an unimaginable amount of talent. There was simply so much of it, it was hard to take it all in. After the show, the general consensus from press and local opinion was that the concert would have been stronger spread out over 2+ days and with the additions of acts like Sizzla, Turbulence, Buju Banton and Beenie Man. Massive respect and credit must be given to stage manager, Ryan for running a tight ship. All artists made it to the stage successfully and in one of the most organized manners I’ve ever seen.
As someone who came from overseas for the show, the fact that there were many international cultures represented was very impressive and spoke volumes of the respect that Rebel Salute holds. There were fans from all over Europe, the United States, and as far as Japan. Though the all-night concert may not be something to withstand on a regular basis, the experience of Rebel Salute was unique, 100% positive and well worth the trek.
Tarrus Riley & The BLAKSOIL Band take over the Roxy, Boston. Songs: She’s Royal and Good Girl Gone Bad.
