Reggae Rising 2008:  Brought Roots, Dancehall, and an International Flavor

Beres Hammond

Friday afternoon featured Mr. Easy, Cham and Tanya Stephens, the only female in the male-dominated roster.  Friday evening saw Beres Hammond deliver a breath-giving two hour performance.  The veteran lover’s rock singer kept the energy of his set so smooth that new fans could visualize how many amazing songs he actually has recorded.  Closing Friday night, the UK’s UB40 followed with a real Caribbean vibe not to be messed with. Even without vocalist Ali Campbell and trumpeter Astro, the solid musicians of the classic group made for a real reggae experience. 

Sizzla

Closing Saturday was the current wave of Bobo Ashanti Rastas headliners, and great performances were turned in by Turbulence, Sizzla, and the Firehouse Crew.  Both showcased a huge hybrid of roots reggae and thunderous dancehall anthems.  Sizzla, often labeled for his often bad language and socially unaccepted lyrics, brought a refreshingly positive and Irie performance.  Sizzla stuck to roots and culture tunes, and it seems that that was what the largest crowd thus far wanted to hear.

Bermuda-born Collie Buddz came around on Sunday, bringing his New Kingston Band.  His second appearance at Reggae Rising surpassed last years, and his energetic performance and driving beats drew a large and enthusiastic crowd.  The fired up closing night audience was ready for Julian Marley, who has been making a huge boom in northern California.  Julian and the Uprising Band gave a subtle, cool performance of his father’s hits, as well as from his own list of original songs.

Gentleman

On Saturday and Sunday, there were pictorial tributes for Lucky Dube and Joseph “Culture” Hill, two legends who passed away recently.  Their untimely and tragic loss was felt throughout reggae and world music arenas.  Both of these artists transcended beyond reggae/world music and became leaders of a greater world peace statement.  Although the tributes were well intended,

Don Carlos