Small crowd, big acts close out All Spice Music Festival
Published:Monday | December 5, 2016 | 12:00 AMKimberley Small
Likely contested by the concurrent staging of another live musical affair, the All Spice Food and Music Festival only managed to pull a small gathering of patrons.
It is arguable that the All Spice Food and Music Festival saw its success in the fact that its gates were open all afternoon, or that it saw its failure affected by that same fact.
Showtime was at 8:30 p.m., and among the concert's opening acts were re-emerging reggae artiste Ky-Enie, who couldn't find the appropriate tracks to accompany his performance. He ended up leaving the stage before performing his final of four songs.
"Two track dem pon mi CD," said newcomer Stranger Miller, who took the stage immediately after the fumbling Ky-Enie.
Miller's short set was followed by French reggae artiste Charly B, who entered the stage with a rousing introduction to his opening song and most identifiable single, Black Green and Gold. After concluding a tight and energetic four-song set, Charly B cleared the stage and made way for the buzz-worthy all-female reggae band, Adazeh. The young women played a well-rehearsed set with finesse. They ended their performance with what seems to be becoming a signature, with either of the smiling bass guitarists sliding easily into a split, while still playing their instruments.
Attentive audience
Another notable performance on the night was Khalila Rose from New York. Momentarily disturbed by a flurry of rain, rather than making a dash for their vehicles, the small but attentive audience sought shelter under the tents of the festival's merchants. As the flurry turned to a drizzle, the stage was ready; and like a siren came Rose, followed by the patrons from their temporary shields.
A few minutes before midnight, Warrior King took the stage in a golden-shouldered royal blue suit. Small though the crowd was, every cue to fill in Warrior King's lines was met and filled with the audible and entertained responses. Sativa Di Black One was invited onstage to perform during the band change following Warrior King.
The show's host, Dufton Shepherd, then introduced roots-reggae-gospel band Katalys Crew, led by Shalom. Katalys Crew remained the backing band for the next performer, Spanner Banner.
Chris Martin followed with a string of hits like Love Me Later, Big Deal and Chill Spot. Martin then brought out D-Major, who performed Real Know Real.
Chaka Demus and Pliers were the penultimate act, as loud cheers and whistles rang out from the sparse crowd. Though more acts were slated to perform at the concert, the authorities alerted the organisers and Richie Spice was invited to close the show.