Reggae Sumfest 2008 - The Review

Reggae’s most prestigious music festival, Reggae Sumfest 2008, celebrated its sixteenth year in existence over the weekend. After a tirade by dancehall veteran Bounti Killa, and a sizzling performance by Beenie Man on its first night, things moved into high gear on Friday.

Terry Linen delivered a commanding performance that warmed the crowd with his signature set of renditions and remakes sprinkled with a few tried and true originals. His consistency and carefully tailored performance gave way to stage the set of the incomparable Courtney John.

The Man of the Night, Courtney John took the packed venue on a musical cruise, belting out a barrage of hits from his critically acclaimed album “Unselfish”, and serving samples of fresh new singles that drew the delight of the massive female contingency in the crowd.

Immaculately dressed in a Navy Blue Pilots Suit, Courtney John connected with the crowd on smooth waves of music coupled with his band, on perfect cue, he held nothing back, giving the 30,000 strong every last drop of his musical juice. Truly, an unselfish performance.

When his 45 minute set ended at minutes to eleven, Courtney John had finally proven his worth to fans and critics alike, securing his reputation as one of Jamaica’s most talented musical innovators to emerge in the 21st century.

The Reggae Quartet L.U.S.T, was also a highlight of the events’ sixteenth staging, and they gave the crowd their money’s worth capturing the crowd with an animated set that had the 30,000 strong in giggles at times. The four man group consisting of Lukie D, Thriller U, Singing Melody & Tony Curtis, rolled out the hit factory and even dipped into a few classics that had the packed venue in echo.

Another blazing performance came from the fire mumma, Queen Ifrica, who could do no wrong for the demanding Catherine Hall crowd. From her first note to the last, she literally mesmerized the audience with her presence and her voice soothed us and moved us with every beat.

Sweet, sultry and natural, Queen Ifrica confronted and comforted keeping the thick crowd rocking for nearly one hour before ending a set that solidified her as the foremost female in the Roots Reggae genre.

American RnB singer Keyshia Cole came conquered and captured a new following of Jamaican Fans, especially the males who saw her in the flesh. Her third appearance in Jamaica seemed to be a charm that worked, and her performance at Reggae Sumfest 2008 was her best yet.

Anticipated as the night’s biggest performer, she did not disappoint and had the packed venue eating out of her hands and singing her every word. She exhibited love and emotion in her set, connecting with an authentic intimacy, a necessary element to captivate a Jamaican audience.

Akons’ performance was bland and only bonded with teenyboppers and the star struck. His set included a DJ/ Hypeman in Scottish plaid dress and green vest rocking a Mohawk, white shirt and tie, a welcomed highlight to the rest of his performance, which consisted of T-shirt distribution and his clichéd soft porn strip tease. BLAHH!!

Richie Spice rolled out minutes to five and by this time the venue was half full. The exhausted patrons who were in his presence enjoyed his performance nonetheless.


The third and final night was a bit anti-climatic, and the slight but consistent rain did nothing to help the vibe, with a few exceptions.

Roots Reggae starlight Etana, braved the rain and a road accident to give fans their moneys’ worth on the final night.

From the moment she touched the stage with dancers in tow, Etana proved she was truly a strong one delivering her 45 minute set almost flawlessly. She connected with the 15,000+ crowd with a committed intimacy that made you simply fall in love with her voice, her movement, and her music. If you never saw her live, well you missed a moment in time. A solid “WOW!!” performance.

Tarrus Riley, conquered the crowd with such regality it left the audience awestruck. Dressed in a dapper white suit and tie, he held the crowd from the moment he touched the mic, gripping them with every word.

An immaculately arranged band complimented with a solid backup ensemble, flawlessly delivered his trademark soundscape so accurately, it had the 20,000+ crowd sipping his distinct flavor of “feel good music” from start to finish. It is quite surprising, his command of stage and audience exhibited a level of professionalism and experience rarely seen in his male counterparts.

T-Pain came in full effect but had none on the crowd, and his 60 minute set failed to fizzle, barely capturing the teeny-bopper crowd that was scattered throughout the venue in the wee hours of the morning.

Lil Wayne had a spell of backstage jitters that lasted nearly an hour and a half. A quick scramble by production kept the show going, with Live Wyya giving us a forgettable moment, before the Lovers Rock Legend Beres Hammond entered the stage.

Time stood still for the next forty five minutes as Beres belted out classic reggae hits from his immense catalog with flawless fluidity, that despite the drizzle, his performance shined like the sun.

The signature smokey husk of his voice floated across Catherine Hall and caressed the audience who seemingly sang every word of his presentation. Backed by a talented band of young pros who have honed their skills on countless treks across the world with Beres he gave them the spotlight for moment to treat the crowd to an impromptu performance, exhibiting the skillful talents of each band member.

When he closed his set, it was official; the Man of the night was Beres Hammond, leaving patrons with the gift of another unforgettable moment in time.

Finally overcoming the jitters, Lil Wayne with “surprise” guest Birdman kept the teeny boppers awake in the early morning, and soon felt encouraged to let go of the mic stand and walk the stage. A painful performance for some patrons who thought he would have brought the grit and glamour of the “Fireman”.

None such.

John Holt closed the morning with a thousand volts of Holt, and despite the diminishing crowd he gave his all. Sad to say those remaining where a bit too tired to feel the electricity but he kept it strong till the end.

The sixteenth staging of Reggae Sumfest 2008 didn’t have the “oomph” that was expected, was more of a “bing” than a “bang!” but it was surely no “BOOM!!”. An otherwise beautifully produced event was smudged by a very misguided lineup that left some patrons with a strange taste on the palate.

One thing is for sure, the organizers put together a world class, hassle free event, sprinkled with a few noteworthy performances that somehow sapped up a bit of the disappointment. It would have been a “BOOM!!” if they had a solid theme each night, but i guess they thought variety is the spice of life, but some spices aren’t for everyone.

TouchStone Productions led by Marcia McDonnough, really exhibited a professional approach and respect for the press, a rarity at local music festivals. I am pleased to say again a world class team, world class production, however the lineup left a lot to be desired.

Notable newcomers Mavado, Rootz Underground, Spice, Konshens and Brick & Lace, represented well and we look forward to more powerful performances from them next year.

Until Next Year….

Selah

The Reggae News Agency

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