Singer delivers at 'Bob Marley Bash'

Adrian Frater, News Editor

Western Bureau:

International star Jah Cure demonstrated why he is arguably reggae's hottest commodity when he turned in an incredible performance at what was a highly entertaining 18th Bob Marley Birthday Bash at the MXIII Lawn at West End Road in Negril.

While Jah Cure's impressive 55-minute stint will probably remain a cherished memory for the tourist-dominated audience, so should the performances of House of Leeds recording star Iyahblazze and veteran singers Freddie McGregor and Admiral Tibet. McGregor and Tibet were presented with Lifetime Achievement awards by promoter Clive Pringle as testament to their respective contributions to Jamaica's music.

Jah Cure, who hit the stage at 2:25 a.m., was the consummate professional. He had the fans in awe with his many trademark hits. Despite displaying minimal movement, the singer, who opened to a rousing reception with the song Bless Me, was in full command as he stamped his class with songs such as Sticky Out Deh, Divide and Rule, Reflection, Unconditional Love, Longing For, Call on Me and dazzling cover versions of Bob Marley's Zimbabwe and Is this Love.

Jah Cure's supporting cast, which included his impressive backing band and three female back-up singers, were in brilliant form as they never missed a beat in their instrumental and vocal support. Even members of the audience, who were like an unofficial choir at times, held their own.

Opening song

Singjay Iyahblazze, on the back of his dazzling performance at Sting 2010, once again demonstrated that he was right there among the best and ready to explode internationally. From his opening song, No Heart Fe the Poor, through to other selections such the groovy What If and Woman I Need You, the stocky Rastafarian at his best had the audience fully engaged.

After sharing the song, Melody, with fellow singjay Spectacular, the lyrically astute Iyahblazze all but brought the house down as with the SAME Band providing crisp instrumental support, he had to 'pull up' several times, the audience greeting the lyrics of his thought-provoking Rasta Fe Clean, with deafening screams.

It was almost a given when the fans demanded an encore, which he ably delivered with the song Woman Wha Me Need.

The veteran Freddie McGregor, the captain of the Big Ship, was also in awesome form, as he took the audience on a dazzling trip, which covered his 48 years as a recording artistes. It was clear that the audience, especially the Japanese, fell hook, line and sinker for the velvet-smooth star.

It was vintage Freddie McGregor as he dazzled with selections such as Africa, Freedom Is A Must, Push Come To Shove and the Big Ship.

In-between his double encore, he also sizzled with Let Them Try, Loving Pauper, Winner, Dennis Brown's Love and Hate and Revolution; Lonely, Young Heart and the '70s classic, Fever.

During his second encore, McGregor introduced United States-based reggae singer Mickey Spice, who showed that his vocal attributes were still intact.

Spice unleashed a smooth rendition of Born Again. After closing his set with Carry Go Bring Come, and a heart-stopping ska rendition of Wings of A Dove, the Japanese kept chanting "more, more" but neither McGregor nor Spice returned.

Despite playing an uncharacteristically short set, which included an encore, Admiral Tibet made a solid mark, digging generously into his bag of hits. He was crisp in his delivery of hits such as Time Is Serious, Terrorist, Deh Pon Me Guard, Babylon War and Don't Disrespect.

For his encore, Admiral Tibet remained bang on target with Leave People Business and No Longer. The crowd wanted a second encore but it did not materialise.

The singing quartet, Soul4Soul, which performed in the early segment made a powerful statement in their short but impressive set. After starting off with Collie Bud's Finally, they lifted the audience with Bob Marley's Could You Be Loved.

Veteran deejay Silver Cat added a lot of humour in a short stint on stage. It was all fun as he belted out Two Fowl a Mi Yard and Too Bad, in which he poked fun at fellow deejays Bounty Killer, Mavado, Vybz Kartel, Ninja Man and Merciless.