Protoje's 'Ancient Future Live' A Good Look
Some say it was one of the best live shows they have attended, others proclaimed that a new standard has been set for local reggae concert production.
It was all impeccable, from the stage, lighting and sound provided
by Team Solutions to the man of the moment and guest acts who collaborated on album tracks.
Protoje, seven years and three albums deep in the industry, returned to his home base after multiple international tours and an entire calendar year without a local appearance with his band, The Indiggnation.
His game-changing third album, Ancient Future, now almost a year old, was recently performed in its entirety at the Hope Gardens Bandshell.
The packed to capacity audience was enthralled from the moment Protoje was introduced on stage by Dutty Bookman (who helped Protoje dissect Ancient Future's lyrics at the University of the West Indies earlier). He started his set with Criminal, until he and Kabaka brought the figurative curtains down with, The Flame.
Curiously not nominated for a Grammy in the minds of many, the album's 11 tracks were performed in carefully curated fashion, leaving a firm impression by the man born Oje Ollivierre.
The Indiggnation, now fully seasoned over the years, played skillfully all night with an additional horn section led by none other than Dean Fraser.
Certainly, the presence and support of all the artistes featured on the album - Mortimer, Chronixx, Sevana, Jesse Royal and Kabaka Pyramid - provided a boost to the overall experience.
Additionally, Agent Sasco, who has just released an album, was invited on stage by Protoje to loud cheers.
During the performance of Who Knows with Chronixx, Protoje brought his mother, Lorna Bennett, to DJ to his song, JA, and she was given a tremendous reaction for her delivery.
It is no surprise that @Protoje trended at number one on Twitter for Jamaica that night and the following day with #ancient future Live also in the top 10.
Protoje has left for tour in the U.S., and will open for the popular American Band, Rebelution, on several shows across the West Coast and will also perform at the Pot of Gold Festival in Arizona.
In April, he will also be performing at Coachella, a major festival in the U.S.