Bunny Wailer's speech seals Sumfest Melville Cooke, Freelance Writer WESTERN BUREAU: BUNNY WAILER closed Reggae Sumfest 2001 with a speech that was as explosive as a Molotov cocktail and yet as smooth as polished glass combining the directness of a Che Guevara with the subtlety of a John Lennon. And embodying the revolutionary spirit of both. The living legend took the Catherine Hall main venue from the darkness of 4:30 a.m. through the pale grey of 5:30 a.m., finally releasing the faithful to the first golden sun rays at 6:35 a.m. His address, which seemed largely unplanned, began at 6:10 a.m. "Mi want it recorded sey Jah B sey so, cause when yu no sey yu gainst it, it come een like yu inna it," the diminutive singer said. And there was a lot to record, as Bunny Wailer was funny, angry, wistful, laid-back yet forceful in his speech, which centred on Jamaica's problems. He laid the blame squarely at the feet of the politicians, KD Dark included. "Mi pray every day dat even one a dem shot deh whe de bway dem gi weh wi fly inna fi dem head in the name of King Selassie!" Wailer said in reference to the political directorate, 'Sinisters' included. "Some a dem leader deh want a bomb pon dem verandah!" He reminded the police, soldiers and security guards that they had a lot in common with the 'shotta' they were poor people's children. "Memba policeman yu no enough. An when yu go supermarket your dolla no mark police," he said to the roars of approval from the significant number who remained to the sweet end. Those patrons were part of a bumper crowd which attended the second International Night, with Ja Rule, Shaggy and Blu Cantrell living up to the name. In addition, Heather Cummings showed signs of class, while TOK blended beautifully. Fourth Street Sisters also performed creditably. Ja Rule strolled on stage casually with a smoke in his hand, accepting the uproarious reception with aplomb. He tipped his hat to Buju Banton by deejaying Murderer a capella then it was down to business. He opened with Holla Holla and the screams and shouts he drew from the audience stopped only when he wanted it to or when the crowd was singing along. And sing they did, going with the rapper word for word, line for line, as he rasped that "the Lord is calling me", did Put It On Me and I'm Real, crying together because 'when I cry, you cry'. They also responded with loud enthusiasm to Ja Rule's request to say 'f....k you' a request that was in keeping with his 'm.......g' performance. Ja Rule ended with Living It Up, a single from the Pain Is Love album due out early October, hopeful screams for an anticipated encore dashed as he retrieved his cap. There was nothing of the sort in Shaggy's literally explosive but squeaky clean performance. The ground shook from the 'cannons' at stage front and fireworks on stage added sparks to a blazing set which was of a truly international level. He proved the depth of his catalogue by doing the monster hits Angel and It Wasn't Me long before closing off with a new song of love and unity in addressing Dancehall Night's chaotic end. The four singers, Rik Rok, Brian and Tony Gold and Rayvon, got involved in the visual presentation, as did the guitarist and bass player at various points. With dancing girls and a white-clad, hip swivelling Shaggy in the mix, the presentation was superb. Why Me Lord seemed to make them think. It took longer for Blu Cantrell's band to set up than for the singer to perform. It was her final number, Hit Em Up Style which really connected with the audience, a running story on her ex-boyfriend setting the scene for three of her other four songs. With her bustier top cut almost to her aureoles, Cantrell held the attention of the crowd. The other female solo artist on the line-up, Heather Cummings, worked a fantastic set on her Reggae Sumfest coming-out party. She exuded female power, exiting the stage in the arms of one of her male dancing duo. TOK's hardcore harmony kept Sumfest dancing and singing along, Reasons working its way beautifully into Bam Bam, Ginseng and Eagles Cry, one singer soaring to new heights on eagles' vocal chords. They closed with Chi Chi Man, leaving a solid impression of co-ordination in clothing, movement and voice. Richie Stephens, with Heather Cummings returning in a backing vocalist role, combined with Sheryl Lee Ralph and more extensively with Bounty Killer. Opening with I'm Crushed, Stephens touched his reggae numbers, including a Garnet Silk combination with the crowd as the late singer. Ska style preceded an introduction of Bounty Killer, which was greeted with huge applause. The duo did Maniac and then Bounty punched Mystery Is The Mystery and Folow Mi Arrow to huge forwards before he addressed Dancehall Night's events. Stephens then sang and played Wild Flower, before the two teamed up to express the poor people's cry. Mr. Livingstone, in a white and silver outfit complete with cape, reminded the world of Electric Boogie's heritage, skanking in perfect step with his dancers. Following up with Simmer Down, Wailer ran through ska and reggae classics, his trademark cry 'set it' ringing out regularly. Cuts from the immortal Blackheart Man album, as well as dancehall standards kept the dwindling crowd dancing, turning the Catherine Hall venue into a Ballroom Floor. But it is his speech which will forever be the defining moment of Reggae Sumfest 2001's final night.
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