Western Consciousness 2012: Chapter 2

By Gail Zucker on Friday, July 13, 2012 - Photos by Gail Zucker - Comment

Another report about Jamaican festival from Westmoreland, Jamaica.

After Steve James report about the event, enjoy a second one by Gail Zucker.

Worrell King, CEO of King of Kings Promotions, a well respected Jamaican promoter hosted the 2012 Western Consciousness at the lush and tropical venue of Paradise Park, just outside of Savanah-la-Mar, Westmoreland, Jamaica in April.

Western Consciousness 2012 MC Cordel Green and deejay Linkage introduced artists from the prestigious linep. Female artist Janine ‘Jah9’ Cunningham delivered a powerful set with her universal message and unique, positive style. Droop Lion emerged in a black flowing cape and shocked out performing his hit ‘Free Way', inspired by the Tivoli Gardens killings in 2010. His humble, but energetic style delighted the audience.

The Uprising Roots Band is a talented group of musicians with a creative style that’s making quite a name for themselves. They will soon release their debut album, later this year. Their professionalism and consciousness are creating big things for their future.

Billed as the ‘British Invasion’ veteran King Sounds showed the audience his lyrical expertise singing hits like ‘Book of Rules’ and ‘Games People Play.’ Both King Sounds and Levi Roots played their set with a complete 13 piece backing band.

Edna Manley College graduates, C-Sharp band are like fine wine, that gets better with age. They will soon travel to Korea on tour and are getting a lot of airplay in Asia as well as Europe.

Duane Stephenson and Prophecy performed well received sets. Marcia Griffiths’ combination of show-woman-ship and timeless beauty is always an audience delight. We sang along with as she performed hit after hit of her repertoire. Beres Hammond had the women screaming and singing along, which is a common occurrence for him at this stage of his career. He called Marcia Griffiths forward onto the stage and they sang their popular duet ‘Live On.’ Cordel Green, emcee for most of the evening, and President of the Jamaica Broadcasting Commission presented Beres Hammond with a proclamation from the city of Mt Vernon, New York.

Western Consciousness 2012

As daylight approached, Romain Virgo sweet voice and conscious lyrics brought in Sunday morning. Luciano’s energy seems like it can’t done and even in the early morning performed an excellent set. Capleton closed the show with an exuberant set.

Even though there was a good amount of rain in the area, the weather cooperated and the event was excellent in terms of quality and production. Next year is Western Consciousness’ Twenty Fifth Anniversary and Worrell King is planning a spectacular event for 2013!