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Reggae Rhythm and Blues Festival 2011
Reggae Rhythm and Blues Festival 2011
The festival took place in New York with Tarrus Riley, I-Octane, Beenie Man and Movado.
Roy Wilkins Park in Queen was the place to be in New York City, on Sunday 4th of September 2011, at the inaugural Reggae Rhythm & Blues Festival.
Undoubtedly, one could tell it was a Caribbean event, as scores of Caribbean flags, could be seen, in exhibit of each Island support. The feeling of Reggae Sumfest hit me, as I approached the gates, familiar faces that I have not seen for man years, musician / artiste the atmosphere was totally captivated by magnetism of brotherly love, all around.
I must applaud the Irie Jam Media Group, for it’s superb security measures, patrons moving in and around the event, were doing so orderly. I did not see or learn of any dispute, that warrant the security officers intervention.
As the night drew near, Kenny “Baby Face” Edmonds, gave a stalwart performance, and could do nothing wrong, but sustain his melodious momentum, in pleasing the hungry souls of the audience. Professional / diverse and entertaining are the only words, that can describe his performance, that will remain in the hearts of many, for some time.
After he left the stage, scores of security, escorted him to his trailer, where he was whisked off, in a extra stretched limo, totally differentiate a super star, for a ordinary performer.
I-Octane hold his own and lived up to his expectation of delivering on a positive note. The singer emphasized on love and cohesive collaboration for building of better communities. His performance shows some level of maturity and if continued in this form, will enhance his career, for international stardom.
Next on stage was Mr. Moses “Beenie Man” Davis, who was honored by Irie Jam Media Group (promoters of the event) for his 3 decades of outstanding contribution to Reggae / Dancehall music. The audience rise to the occasion of Beenie man, as he entered the stage. He was presented the award by US Congresswoman Yvette Clarke.
Beenie Man, accepted his award, and made it clear, that he was unable to perform, and immediately gave them a surprise of Khago. The electrifying energy could be felt in all corners of the park, as Khago burst on stage with his hit single, Na Sell Out. Beenie Man was unable to sing, but this did not confined him from dancing, as he gave them some of his sizzling moves, much to the appreciation of the audience.
A tribute to Joel Chin, the late A&R director and grandson of VP Records founder, who was recently murdered in Jamaica. Joel was a mentor to most Jamaican artiste and was instrumental in singing Beres Hammond and Beenie Man, among other top Jamaican artiste to VP Records.
Tarrus Riley was next, and waited patiently back stage, much to socializing with his fans before going on stage. Apparently his band was not at it’s best and the quality sound was lacking. Musician mogul Dean Fraser, beckon to the engineers to find that quality, but to no avail. Tarrus performed, but it was evident that he was disturbed by the technical problems, but delivered as usual.
David “Movado / Gully Gad” Brooks, was the anchor performer, and the audience was hungry for him. Similar to feeding chickens, all was eating the musical food from Gully Gad! He paid respect to Bounty Killer, and assured the audience that there wasn’t any feud between him and Bounty Killer, he also made it know that, the dancehall was run by Vybz Kartel and himself.
Movado had it all to himself, and did not waste no time to show how prepared he was for this. One hit after another, could be heard, as the audience bellowed their voices, with his songs, in awe. He paid respect to the police officers right before he gave the crowd what they were waiting for, Delilah.
Reggae Rhythm & Blues festival, was indeed a success, but unprofessionalism surfaced, when security personnel, prevented press person from going back stage, or in front the stage consistently. It was much to the disgust of myself and other media person, whom continued to complain of the nonsense action of the security personnel. All was well, except for the unprofessionalism of the security, who had no respect or regards for the press media.
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