Lost in Time Festival writes itself into reggae and dancehall history

From the innovative introduction of a sign language interpreter into Jaz Elise’s set, to the gallant calls of Samory-I to the Jamaican Government to Chronixx’s poignant return to a local stage and Lila Ike’s public declaration of love for her family and the general show of camaraderie among the entertainers, the Lost In Time Festival on Saturday, was, in one word, transformational.

The inaugural production of the one-day event opened up the lawns of the Palm Drive in the Hope Botanic Gardens for a fashionable affair with a panorama of performances in true music festival – dubbed a success by the organisers and was evident from the fan feedback.

According to Lost in Time Festival director, Leann Ollivierre, it was an overwhelming experience to have carried the event from concept to construction and the team is already looking forward to next year’s staging.

“We are happy the people came out to show their support for the music and the mission; just being able to introduce our festival concept and to observe persons moving around the venue, viewing the performances, partaking of the gastronomy and engaging the vendors, just a lot happening in one venue, it was clear that people had warmed up to the idea of our festival,” Ollivierre told The Gleaner.

She shared that the team behind the organisation of the event and specifically, the artistes have, over the years, travelled to perform and preview many major music festivals and with that, were able to combine different ideas to the table that in the end, were workable.

Sound systems, selectors and the live showcase of some of Jamaica’s sensational artistes and musicians across the New Wave stage and the main stage delivered everything from roots, lover’s rock, dub-style, dancehall, and reggae. Early birds were treated to the sounds of selectors Boom Draw and Laing D and artistes like Yaadcore, Ras I, Naomi Cowan, who invited fellow songstresses Joby Jay and Shanique Marie onstage. Recording artistes Jaz Elise, and Tessellated were also featured on the New Wave stage in between the performances of Samory-I and Mortimer.

There were some festival-goers with a primary interest in the headlining acts, but as the show progressed, it became an opportunity for all to experience bouncing between different stages and the space at the venue provided massive pickings for patrons to lounge in the picnic areas and otherwise take advantage of the cuisine and shopping offerings.

With guests spots from several reggae-dancehall acts, and the messages spread through the performances on both stages at the Lost In Time Festival, this was a show transformed into more than just music – it was about family, friendships, unity, female power and self-belief. Jesse Royal expressed joy, a feeling he said was experienced in full in becoming a father. Meanwhile, Lila Ike, who during a high-energy performance complemented by popular dancers including Energy, Cyaa Tiad and Shakespeare, highlighted the contributions of her mother and grandmother to her career, and also welcomed her niece onstage to sing with her. She also played her guitar for the first time on any local stage.

As for the full festival-goer experience, Lost In Time Festival was, at least anecdotally, as serene an environment that anyone could wish for, with the exemption of a few fainting fans in the latter hours of the show, who were attended to swiftly by the necessary medical personnel, and for this, the organisers deserved another tap on the shoulder. Bottled water was also being distributed at the entry of the venue and several entertainers impressed upon listeners, the importance of keeping hydrated.

Entertainment consultant Steve ‘Urchin’ Wilson, applauded Protoje and the entire Lost In Time Festival team.

“I doubt that a regular dancehall stage show could do this. If someone had told me, over 300 persons would be in a venue, in the hot sun, moving about the show grounds and waiting on artistes to perform, I would say that sounds mad. However, the organisers pulled it off and it proved to be an amazing show,” Wilson said.

At the hour for the performance of two-time Grammy Award-nominated artiste Protoje, a lot had been written into reggae and dancehall history. However, he was not about to let the finale end on a quiet note, having not performed on any major local stage in three years. “Did you get your money’s worth?” Protoje asked festival-goers. As the majority responded with screams of ‘Yes’, the recording artiste repeated the question once again just before welcoming on some special guests to share in the spotlight. He welcomed most of the earlier performers for an encore including Samory-I, Mortimer, Jesse Royal and Lila Ike, as well as some surprise guests like Sevana, Ky-Mani Marley, Chronixx, Popcaan, and Aidonia, all of whom were well-received.

stephanie.lyew@gleanerjm.com