IT was an evening for fresh acts to show their worth at the first Rootz On The Roof show at Empire Plaza in Cross Roads, St Andrew on October 7.

The monthly series kicked off with the resident One Drop Rootz Band.

Among the new acts to watch is singer Jermaine Blake. If his performance is anything to go by, the Edna Manley College student will go places.

His interpretation of Adam Wade's Rain From the Skies (made popular locally by Delroy Wilson) was extraordinary. Blake gave it a soulful touch, turning the uptempo hit into a soft, sweet ballad.

This was the high point of his performance which also saw him doing originals like Who Can't Hear, Peer Pressure and Love you Baby.

Chantelle Ernandez also showed potential with her performance of Gimmie What's Mine, Reggae Reason, Love Can Heal the World, Satisfaction and Good Man.

Another impressive performer was Xayvier, lead vocalist for the band Earth Cry, also from the Edna Manley College. Opening with Bob Marley's Africa Unite, he kept the momentum going with Hard Road and Survival.

Among the more seasoned of the cast was roots singer Chronixx who was backed by the Hardcopy Band. He gave a typically energetic performance with songs like Warrior and Capitalist.

Not to be left out was I Kaya who created a lot of buzz with Fly Away, Hard Way and Brand New.

Each act left the venue humming into Saturday morning. Roots On The Roof should be something to look forward to in the months ahead.