Lost in Time the sequel

Despite the constant drizzle that made the corporate area its semi-permanent residence last Saturday, the Lost In Time Festival held at Hope Gardens weathered the literal storm successfully.

Returning for the second year with their trademark spectacular visuals, the festival boasted some of the most eclectic photo opportunities in the island. From their ‘Once A Pawn A Time’ artiste pop-up to their mirrored entrance and giant dishevelled clock, every inch of the festival grounds was an 'Instagrammable’ moment.

Kicking off early in the afternoon the first live performance began promptly at 4 p.m. with Jah Lil on the New Wave. Although his set was short, the newcomer delivered his particular brand of reggae music with true gusto. Handing over to Khalia, then Ras-I on the Lost In Time stage, the Kingman was the true standout of the early acts.

"We changed up the set, we put in some songs that never normally put in but the set needed it ... like Lock it Down as the intro and Dangerous but me know seh dem song deh powerful and it start the set on a high energy,” Ras-I told The Gleaner.

Though the rain arrived in full effect during his set, it did not deter fans from taking in every moment and returning to the New Wave stage with equal enthusiasm for Runkus x Royal Blu.

As the downpour continued, it is unclear whether the artisans and restaurants that serviced the event benefitted from the fans now seeking shelter in their establishments or not. One thing is clear, by the time Jah9 and Sevana started their sets, even the man of the hour himself, Protoje, had to brave the storm to stand in witness.

First lulling the audience with both old and new hits, Romain Virgo soon showed another side. With more energy than is typical for him and a lot more talking, Virgo seemed to be letting the world into his other side in preparation for his own upcoming concert.

Now with the rain subsiding, the crowd prepped for the headlining trio to make their début. Protoje entered first in his purple Canadian tuxedo, shortly after, the small axe, Jesse Royal followed suit. Basking in their musical brotherhood on stage, the crowd was clearly anxiously awaiting the entrance of the Wurl Ike.

With Royal in all white and Lila Ike in a custom purple suit with orange accents and a bold new silver pixie cut the, the trio seemed to be embodying royalty.

Reminiscent of last year, surprise guests were the order of the evening. First Ike carried on her Rock & Groove riddim contemporaries Naomi Cowan, Jay Elise and Seven for a live rendition of their famous BBC 1Xtra session.

Among the other special guests were Mortimer, Yohan Marley, Jahshii, Stonebwoy, Agent Sasco, Govana, Chi Ching Ching, Popcaan, Valiant and Masicka. The clear stand outs of the bunch were Valiant and Masicka who received the loudest cheers from the audience. For Popcaan, his short-lived appearance came as the show was wrapping up.

Having had all slated acts and more guests that were expected come on, at 12:01 when Protoje requested an additional five minutes from the police officers, Popcaan emerged to treat the audience just as a officer entered and signalled the band to finish.

Before the scheduled, yet abrupt end of the show, Protoje made explained sister was the reason for this year’s staging of the festival.

“Mi wah big up to me sister because this event, me never did ago keep it this year.”

Though noticeably less eventful than last year, the popular sentiment rang true once again, that Protoje and the new Wave crew held up their end by delivering a spectacular show.

shanel.lemmie@gleanerjm.com