It was a night of dub, dub poetry and rockers at the weekly concert series at the Edna Manley College on Wednesday night organised by Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JaRIA) in observance of Reggae Month.

As is customary, the night started off with a tribute to our African ancestors with drumming from the Akwaaba Drummers, followed by a tribute from the Adventist group Assure whose a capella rendition had the audience spellbound. Claudette Pious’ dub

contribution had everyone in stitches as she made a social commentary in her usual comical style. Past student of Edna Manley Simone Simpson upped the ante when she delivered two original pieces of poetry in a style mirroring great black voices like Marcus Garvey or Linton Kwesi Johnson in a bold and emotive way that earned her a standing ovation. Her message was clear and echoed the calls of JaRIA and the music industry for the relevant authorities to show support for our culture and own what has placed Jamaica on the international map.

Her presentation seemed to have opened the doors for a floodgate of cultural and black pride as the next act Pentateuch led by lead singer of the same name celebrated Africa, black skin and reggae in a short but powerful set. The group Fab Five proved why they have been in the industry for forty years and continue to woo audiences of all ages as they played from their extensive catalogue including songs like Read the Psalms, Shaving Cream and songs written by Grub Cooper for Roy Rayon and Eric Donaldson, Love Fever, Give Thanks and Praises and Land of my Birth”. The rains were not enough to stop them as they declared “we nah stop play unless we get shock” to the cheers of a delighted audience who creatively covered their heads and rocked to every beat.

The night was also about showcasing Bands and when Uprising Roots took the stage they could do no wrong as the audience was again on their feet dancing and singing as they all caught the ‘irie vibe’.

Then it was time for the pioneers. They ably demonstrated to the young people how they made the genre into what it is today. From the ‘mellow canary’ Barrington Levy, who remains a perennial favourite with young and old alike, to the suave Big Youth, the versatile Coco Tea and the sugary sounds of Bob Andy, the audience tuned into the world of reggae.

When the audience thought it couldn’t get any better on MCs Isis and Ibo Cooper invited the indomitable Rhythm Twins, Sly and Robbie accompanied by the likes of percussionist Bongo Herman and Nambo Robinson on trombone.

The night closed with winner of the local battle of the bands competition, Dubtonic, who will definitely bring home an award when they compete with 16 other bands in Malaysia on February 25 in the International Battle of the Bands.