JamRock - Damian & Stephen Marley concert

The first thing that popped in my head as my sis and I turned onto the main street was "Coffee". The air was infused with the smell of it, increasing in intensity as we neared the destination. After a couple of blocks, my mind switched to the immediate need of finding a parking spot.

We got in quickly after paying half the price (We were late and had missed the first set.) We finagled our way onto a vantage point. Jr. Gong was a vision in dreadlocks that extend close to his knees. Rapid fire delivery, lilting alittle, undulating beat, thoughtful, then slowly building, building into a pandemonium of sorts, with us jumping around with our hands in the air.
"Exodus! Movement of Jah People"

After a couple more songs, Jr. Gong and his band leave the stage. We go and get some tshirts. The crowd starts stomping on the floor (it wasnt an aggressive type of stomp) shouts of 'JamRock!" are heard(from people i know ;). They return with Stephen Marley, and get right to performing. The vocalist is incredible. Her voice is expressive, effortlessly so, so powerful. Her dancing...passion personified.
The air is thicker and it feels hot, i fan myself with my palms (futile! - dont ask GW to pronounce that word).

"Could You be Loved?"
I start smiling, like this huge huge smile and saying things like "Thats! My! favourite! Song!" (I think my sis was wincing at how giddy i was, and probably at how loud i was exclaiming...corny moment of the day.) This version of could you be loved is amazing. The original is preserved, but they speeded up alittle, so its like you are hearing Bob Marley kabisa, yet it is updated. I was damn near euphoric with glee. (Should there be a rule that if you cover one's legendary song that you have to be a direct talented progeny?- This version was amazing. If the marley brothers tour again, check out their version of 'Kaya' Hai, utapenda - you will love it).

Some tall dude (wooie he looked African) just comes and plants himself infront of us bila masilahi. we look at each other quizzically, wait a moment to see if he realises the error of his way (literally)...he doesn't. Repositioning...
A guy on the stage is waving the lion flag. (I had seen him before at previous concerts by the Marley brothers) The enthusiasm of his flag waving cannot be underestimated. I swear he is the best flag waver i have ever seen. He waved that flag to the beat the whole time we were there, his dancing was preety good too.

There is something magical about reggae. It seeps into your soul, your mind and most of all your body. It makes you move, and stomp your right foot on the floor as if in worship at church, stretch your right hand in the air as if you are elastigirl from the incredibles...then be at a loss for words to say, coz you are enjoying this so so much.

For tour dates in US and UK click here