Editorial :-The Reggaelution Review

Set on the property of a renowned olde’ money leisure lounge, Rasta Rebels inaugural staging of Reggaelution, was for want of a better word, mild.

An all inclusive event cuddled in an empty grassy lot on the grounds of The Liguanae Club in New Kingston, the highly anticipated Reggaelution came and went…like that.

No after effect, no shocking Sunday morning calls, no Monday morning blissful reminisce. No musical revolution or spiritual revelation.

It was simply forgettable.

The early juggling came and went, and by the time Rootz Underground hit the stage, the hum in the crowd pence and paced for Buju Banton.

The reggae rockers from uptown gave a solid performance, bringing the best they had to offer and without a doubt proved that they were fit and ready to perform alongside the world’s best.

Back stage the Garamel relaxed and reefered before retreating to his bus to summon his habitual pre-performance group meeting.

As with majority all inclusive events of this nature, food is nothing but a snack achieved by waiting in a long line and receiving nothing but chicken bits and half a slice of bread with a touch of curry goat gravy. The soup was good though, a bit spicy, but good.

The Bar service proved excellent and the wait was acceptable, even during the band changes.
Moments later Etana hit the stage armed with a slate of charted single successes and a debut album that has triggered critical acclaim, she thrilled the small crowd of around 700 patrons with her delivery.

Then it was time for the Gargamel. Buju Banton hit the stage at minutes to 2am. Many who traversed the local entertainment scene, already know about the proverbial 2am cutoff time so ardently insurrected at “other” venues.

Yet in this setting Buju rocked the crowd of under a thousand till near 3am. He worked the stage and delivered his signature hits with an extended performance that included billed guest performer Tarrus Riley.

Tarrus delivered a short but spicy set including a new single which touched on the subject of female abuse. The crowd sang along on his command and too soon his set ended and Buju banton took the stage once more.

Again the Gargamel could chant no wrong, stunning the crowd with a verbal blurb that fired at the heels of homosexuality. The crowd gasped and forgot about it, and Buju drew a clean slate as he dipped into essential classics from his “Till Shiloh” era.

All in all the performances were good, and the production was commendable. This being the first of such a concept in Kingston, I am sure the production team will work out the obvious kinks to deliver a solid second staging same time next year.


Lloyd Laing
Chief Editor

The Reggae News Agency

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