A star-studded cast of roots-reggae artistes assembled at Redbones Blues Café in St Andrew Thursday evening for a show fittingly billed Living Legends Live. Complementing them was the showing of the documentary, The Art of Making Music a Way of Life, by Swiss film-maker Markus Egloff. Beginning with Nyahbinghi drummers and chanters from the Inna Di Yard Allstars, it was ‘high-grade’ entertainment throughout, as the Argyle Road venue was transformed into a Rastafari village.

It provided a comfortable atmosphere for all, including Minister of Justice, Senator Mark Golding, who was lauded by singer Kiddus I for his role in the adjustments to the Dangerous Drugs Act, which allows small use of ganja without prosecution. In performance, Kiddus I stirred the large audience with his signature song Graduation in Zion and No Salvation. Backed by the Inna Di Yard Movement Band, led by guitarist Earl ‘Chinna’ Smith along with guitarist Yellow Jahlanzo, drummer Leroy ‘Horsemouth’ Wallace, keyboardists Robbie Lyn, Tony Asher and O’zoune, and bassist Grace Kruse, the veteran acts lived up to their reputations. Cedric Myton and the Congos kept the 1970s vibes going with their offering of Revolution, Fisherman, Thief in The Yard and Ten Million Chariots.

Ken Boothe wowed the crowd with Richard Khourie, a song he recorded 40 years ago. Sangie Davis resonated through his original Words of my Mouth and the Marley classic We and Dem. Max Romeo, a pillar of roots-reggae, was the most intense. Accompanied by his daughter Xana, and sons Ronaldo and Romario, the 70-year-old singer ignited Redbones with the songs that have made him a titan for 50 years.

These songs include Let The Power Fall, War Ina Babylon, One Step Forward, Three Blind Mice, Maccabee Version and for an encore, Nobody’s Child and Jordan River. A cadre of emerging and journeyman acts also performed. One of the most impressive was singer Jahmeila who opened with Wake Up. The fast-rising Magma with Kush, Donovan Joseph, Anthony Selassie, Natty Pablo, Ras Nile, Naturalist and Mark Wonder all contributed to a wonderful evening that ended with a rousing chorus of The Lion of Judah. — Basil Walters