Bob Marley’s 79th birthday kicks off with People Get Ready concert

WESTERN BUREAU:

In a mesmerising tribute to Bob Marley’s upcoming 79th birthday, Richie Spice electrified Main Street Rose Hall on Wednesday night. Strumming through his remarkable musical collection, Spice turned the venue’s ‘tarmac’ into a vibrant space of celebration, declaring The Plane Land.

From as early as 8 p.m., it became obvious that the Appleton Estate/Bob and Rita Marley Foundation event tagged ‘One Love 79: People Get Ready’, had attracted a crowd set to be captivated by only masterful performances, in honour of the King of Reggae.

Main Street had been transformed into a city of magical lights, and the likes of Queen Ifrica, Richie Spice, Nadine Sutherland, and Black AM I, had brought out a mixed audience of locals and tourists hungry for live music on a week day.

Marley’s birthday is actually February 7, but Spice, whose birth name is Richell Bonner, stood tall onstage as he belted the words to Black Like Tar, a depiction of his own skin.

“Richie Spice really delivered a masterclass of reggae beat, as he took us through his entire catalogue that not only kept us dancing, but it delivered messages that we all have come to embrace as the social commentary of our lives,” said one of the biggest ambassadors of the music, Jamaican Canadian Delrose Miller-Rose.

In fact, the venue went wild when he performed Earth a Run Red and Youth Dem Cold Real Bad, and laughter erupted when he went a cappella style with Internet Boys and Internet Girls.

It was a pity that the audience could not get Richie Spice to return to the stage after two encores. His set was a reminder of the days Dennis Brown would leave an audience in awe.

His electrifying performance was complemented by the ever-present and effortlessly charismatic Queen Ifrica. Despite a somewhat brief set, the Montegonian-born Ventrice Morgan, renowned for her fearlessness, delivered impactful message-driven music on Main Street. While initially showcasing a captivating blend of allure, accentuated by a touch of sexiness, Ifrica seamlessly transitioned into a more militant mode during her performance. Her command of the stage was nothing short of admirable, as she conveyed a powerful message of self-pride. In a special tribute to Bob Marley, whom she fondly referred to as a ‘rebel’, the prolific songstress connected with the women in the audience through her soulful rendition of Four Women. Ifrica’s performance was a testament to her versatility and ability to captivate the audience with both style and substance.

Nadine Sutherland, who has experienced a true renaissance in her life, was exceptionally entertaining and effervescent in her delivery. Fresh from a six-day hiatus on social media, during which many members of her ‘tribe’ speculated that she had tied the knot, Sutherland brought the much-needed dance element to the concert. Her vibrant stage presence infused the audience with the spirit of Bob Marley, creating an atmosphere that embraced sophisticated entertainment. Dedicating two love songs to the late reggae king, she performed Turn Your Lights Down Low and Simmer Down.

Widely recognised as a ‘foot-loose’ dancer, Sutherland treated the crowd to Bam Bam, a song deeply ingrained in Jamaican culture for years, and the anthem One Love. This was all she needed to prepare Jamaica for her latest release, Can’t Stop Me from Smiling, slated for release today.

The pinnacle of the evening came with the performance of the opening act, a relatively unknown artiste named Black AM I, whose sound, stage presence, and appearance were a poignant homage to the era of Bob Marley. Clearly a young talent, his music, steeped in conscious lyrics, served as a vivid portrayal of the future of reggae music.

janet.silvera@gleanerjm.com