review by Tafa
click photo to enlarge
 Everyone knows that reggae legend Bob Marley called Jamaica home, almost everyone heard the rumor that his remains were to be relocated to Ethiopia this year before a very public outcry silenced the notion, but few are aware that the Tuff Gong once called Nassau, Bahamas home. Marley went into exile momentarily living in the Bahamas after a politically motivated assassination attempt in which Marley was shot failed in his native Jamaica. As rumor has it he was inspired to write “Is this Love?” by visits from his Jamaican love interest Cindy Breakspeare during this extended stay.
Marley was no mere tourist however, his music and heritage continues to live on in Nassau; his family opened a Marley Boutique on Bay Street Nassau’s main thoroughfare and this March the 2nd Annual Marley tribute concert known as the Reggae All Stars lived up to its name featuring Reggae’s brightest stars including two uprising performances from Marley’s musical offspring.
 The evening began with a musical tribute to Marley by the Saxon Superstars Junkanoo Revue. The costumed ensemble performed a medley of Marley’s most well know hits including “One Love” with their traditional Junkanoo instruments. Junkanoo is to the Bahamas, what reggae is to Jamaica (see junkanoo.com).
Homegrown Bahamian reggae sensation “The Mighty Blessed” warmed up the crowd. We've seen Blessed perform on many occasions in the Bahamas and I asked a local fan why Blessed’s music had not yet successfully crossed over to the international market. Their opinion was that he needed professional management. I think that he is at his best when he performs covers of other artists, but he does not (yet) have great songs of his own. Regardless of which of us were correct this artist has much potential and I expect to hear and see him on the international stage one day.
 Jah Mason, an upcoming Jamaican artist best known for his hit “My Empress Gone” on the Hard Life rhythm took the stage. Most Rasta singers are accompanied by a “flag man” whose job is to wave the Ethiopian flag during his breddrin’s performance. Jah Mason not only had a flag man, but he also had a broom man, who literally swept the stage during Jah Mason’s versatile and entertaining performance.
 The capacity crowd came alive when Mr. Broader than Broadway Barrington Levy took the stage at approximately 12.30 am. Unleashing hit after hit he stopped the band several times to have the crowd sing entire songs with him acapella. Levy’s magnetic stage personality and catalog of hits were in my opinion the highlight of the evening.
  After a brief instrumental set by Dean Fraser and the Jah Messenger Band, Luciano commanded the stage performing an energetic set complete with his trademark jumpups and flips. I’ve seen Luciano with much better performances; he seemed a bit distant never really connecting with the crowd. At one point during his rendition of Peter Tosh’s "Legalize It" the messenger showed the crowd what he was carrying in his little bag to much applause. He was joined on stage by Morgan Heritage who the crowd received warmly. For his encore Luciano sang Marley’s Redemption Song while playing a guitar unaccompanied.
 Marley's sons were next with Kymani "Shottas" Marley putting in a good set including his hits “Dear Dad”, “Warriors” and several of his fathers songs. Damian Jr. Gong Marley () lively-ed up the place with his wicked footwork that had him bouncing from one side of the stage during hits such as “Welcome to Jamrock” and “Searching.” Toward the end of his set he called Capelton on stage and the crowd went wild.
 Capelton closed the evening with his usual fiyah-filled performance. Hits after hits kept coming from the Fireman including his latest “Small World” on the Hard Life riddim. The consummate performer Capleton kept singing for minutes after he left the stage as the crowd went home satisfied knowing they got there money’s worth. Throughout the evening all performers paid their tribute to the Legend who would have been celebrating his 60th birthday this year. Marley’s legacy continues to live on in Nassau his home away from home.
Special Thanks: to our sponsor uprizeclothing.com
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