Upbeat mood at International Reggae Day The hosting of International Reggae Day which coincided with the second anniversary of the death of Dennis Brown was 'a bitter-sweet experience' for the Jamaica Federation of Musicians president, Desmond Young. The president, while in a celebratory mood because of International Reggae Day, said he was still mourning the loss of Dennis. But, apparently hundreds of other fans were in an 'upbeat mood'. They passed the day eating, drinking and listening to sweet reggae music at the Bob Marley Museum on Sunday. With Bob Marley at the centre of most activities, the Bob Marley Foundation ensured that visitors, including the foreign press, were well-treated. Among the activities were an exhibition highlighting Bob's life and a fashion show featuring sizzling African garb. Cameras zoomed in on the statue of the Reggae icon - with guitar in hand. A karaoke contest featured children exhibiting their talent while later in the evening a stage show featured several top entertainers. Tony Rebel stole the show with four songs, Loyal Soldier, Jah By My Side, Sweet Jamaica and Just Friends. The man who claimed he is 'a rebel with a cause' captured the hearts of the people. VC delivered his number one song By His Deeds while George Nooks had the crowd singing God Is Standing By. Stevie Face was superb and professional with his presentation of 'I'm in Love'. Abijah performed Jah Is and Revelation while the Mighty Diamonds pleased as usual. Ghost was up to his romantic antics and won the hearts of the females, while dub-poet Natalie Cole performed The Music. The show ended on a professional note with Toots Hibbert. Earlier in the day patrons spent not only their time but quite a lot of cash at the Reggae Mall. The outside of the Mall was attractively decorated with the jackets of reggae album and posters and there were a number of stalls on the inside where a variety of items were for sale. The first segment of the fashion show saw topless males but they could not generate as much excitement as the females. Men whistled as they walked onto the stage in summer wear showing off their sexy bodies. The JCDC took good advantage of the event by exhibiting the Popular Song and Gospel Song entrants on video for most of the day. They got good responses from those who stood, watched and even purchased CDs.
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