IF there was any doubt regarding the future of reggae music, this was answered in the affirmative at last Wednesday’s edition of Reggae Wednesdays.

The event, organised by the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JaRIA) in observance of Reggae Month, was dubbed ‘Progressions’ and looked at the development of the music over the years and where it is heading.

The night saw strong performances by some of the industry’s newer acts with one of the stronger sets being perfomed by Ikaya.

This performer has versatility on her side and this serves her well during her live gigs. She possesses a strong, melodious signing voice, she ‘rides a riddim’ well as a deejay, and her rap skills are not too shoddy either.

From the opening note of her breakout hit Hard Way to her closing track Fly Away, she was truly entertaining. In-between she dropped I Ain’t Giving Up, the emotionally charged Bang Bang, High With You, Ugly Girl and Redemption Song, her tribute to reggae king Bob Marley.

Singer Jah Bouks came to prove that he’s more than Angola, his breakout hit song, and this he did by delivering a stirring set replete with biting social commentary as well as tracks for the ’empresses’.

Notis Production, the band and music producers responsible for some of the most popular tracks, also lit up Reggae Wednesdays last week.

An interesting set featured the band playing live to recorded vocals for openers.

This featured the sounds of Iba Mahr with his Diamond Sox; Love For Granted by Chronixx; Busy Signal’s Missing You; and a remix of Rihanna’s Diamonds.

The live set saw Chevaughn and Kabaka Pyramid taking to the stage.

Dance Xpressionz would add a new dimension to the evening with tributes to the late dancer Bogle and dancehall queen Carlene.

Other acts including Shuga, Cali P, Ras I, Micah Shemiah, Exco Levi and Nature, also provided great entertainment.

The series concludes tomorrow with ‘Reggae Run Weh’, a tribute to the influence of the music on fashion, featuring popular acts Richie Stephens and Chris Martin.