( left - right ) Stephen Marley and American Idol winner Fantasia. - PHOTOS BY NAGRA PLUNKETT
WESTERN BUREAU
DAMIAN AND Stephen Marley, sons of reggae ambassador Bob Marley, were the heart of Saturday's staging of Summerfest Production's Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest 2005.
'Jr. Gong' and his Empire Band struck a harmonious chord with the patrons that turned out for the final night of the five-day music festival at the Catherine Hall Entertainment Centre.
Damian, who was accompanied by a man waving a red, green and gold flag, rocked the crowd with hits like More Justice, Me Name Junior Gong and Still Searching. He also incorporated hits from his father into his set as he guided the crowd on a musical journey.
His brother Stephen belted Mind Control from his new album Got Music before the two teamed up on It was Written, during the infectious stint that kept the crowd dancing and singing.
On exiting the stage, the crowd demanded an encore from Damian, the 2001 Grammy winner, and he returned to deliver the smash hit Welcome To Jamrock.
The Marleys aside, veteran reggae group Toots and The Maytals brought down the curtains on a night that was far from being sold out. Toots songs such as Bam Bam, Pressure Drop and Sweet and Dandy. Toots' strong husky voice filled the venue and commanded attentiveness while his legs showed that age has not affected his energy level.
The sounds of hip hop and rhythm and blues also echoed through the venue as American rapper Fabolous and singer Fantasia made their appearances at the festival.
While Fabolous had the crowd 'spitting' the lyrics of Baller, Breathe and Baby, American Idol winner Fantasia, had an emotional yet energetic set that connected with them like she did with the millions of viewers on the Idol show.
With the patrons literally doing background vocals for her, she performed favourites like Purple Rain and Tell me Something Good during her 35-minute set. She also treated the crowd to the tracks Truth Is, Baby Mama and 'Believe from her album Free Yourself.
The night also saw great performances from Ini Kamoze, Tami Chynn and Tarrus Riley.
Ini Kamoze entered the stage with a fireworks display as he sang Stepping In Hotter, Shocking Out, Hole in The Pumpkin and Hot Stepper. The sexy Tami Chynn had the men salivating with her sexy dance moves as she sang Hyperventilating, How Him So Hot and Can You Feel Me.
Tarrus Riley, who has been making big waves in the music business, delighted the audience with songs from his Challenges album. He also teamed up with his father, Jimmy Riley, to do Stop Children.
N.P.
