The celebration of the 15-year anniversary of what is arguably the best reggae festival in Europe, Reggae Jam, was held in Bersenbrück, Germany on its usual grounds from July 31- August 2. It never disappointed its 45,000-plus fans with its star-studded line-up of over 40 reggae artistes and bands, which had critics in the music business showering it with accolades for having the best lineup of all the reggae festivals in Europe this summer.
The festival featured headliners such as Ali Campbell (formerly of UB 40), Third World, Stitchie, Chaka Demus & Pliers, Mr Vegas, Anthony B, Burro Banton, Lady Saw, Lady G, Kirk Davis (formerly known as Little Kirk), Glen Washington, Papa San, Bunny General, Horace Andy, Ray Darwin, Daddy Freddie, Frisco Kid, Determine, Bitty McLean and a host of other top artistes including German reggae artistes Ganja Man, Sebastian Sturm, Jahcoustix, Cornadoor and others.
Friday saw a great performance from Chaka Demus & Pliers as they did hit after hits, much to the fans' delight. Horace Andy sang songs like Skylarking and the fans loved every moment of it.
On Saturday, Third World delivered a very good set from their catalogue of hits over the years and Lady Saw was well received as was Lady G. Papa San delivered a good set and made his exit, as did Bunny General.
However, it was on Saturday night that Germany was set on fire, as Stitchie was sizzling red hot and the 15, 000 fans present at Reggae Jam 2009 showed all indication that they had no intention of putting out the fire. He commanded their attention the very moment he entered stage; quoting from Psalm 150:6, then burst into rapid spitfire lyrics. He had the crowd repeating everything he asked them to repeat and he never compromised his message of the kingdom of God. The energy that he started with got even higher as he countinued for almost 90 minutes, flying in the air as only he can with his signature mid-air split, sometimes he gave them four and five times in a row.
Every song he did was a mega hit with the audience. There were moments when he could not be heard because the crowd was screaming at everything he said, he even spoke to them at times in German. Superbly supported by backing band House of Riddim, out of Austria, Stitchie delivered and not even an encore seemed to satisfy his fans.
LADY SAW... was well received Sunday saw Ray Darwin kicking off his set on a good note with his hit single People's Choice and Kirk Davis never disappointed the fans as he demonstarted his versatility dee jaying and singing with his awesome vocal abilities.
Daddy Freddie was on rapid and Burro Banton showed why he is the orginal banton of all bantons. The crowd just loved him.
Mr Vegas was in a no-nonsense mood and delivered big time while Anthony B, was in his element and the crowd did not want him to leave. Ali Campbell was very good and had the crowd singing along with him as he brought the curtains down on Reggae Jam 2009.
Source:Jamaica Observer
