NEGRIL, Westmoreland — Patrons were left on a musical high at Rastafari Rootz Fest in Long Bay Beach Saturday.

Headliners Protoje, Andrew Tosh, Sevena, Lutan Fyah and Richie Spice lived up to their billing.

Protoje was in his element. He held the audience captive with Ancient Future, This Is Not A Marijuana Song, Stylin’, Hail Ras Tafari and Who Knows.

Richie Spice also delivered a scintillating set to close the show. The singer reeled off Crying Out For Love, Youths Dem Cold, Earth A Run Red, Blood Again, Black Like Tar, Rise and World Is A Cycle.

The revolutionary Lutan Fyah dropped Africa, Sweet Trichomes, A Feel Like Skank and Don’t Give Your Life Away.

Tosh connected with patrons immediately after hitting the stage, belting out renditions of his father Peter Tosh’s hits including

Legalize It, Bush Doctor, Buckingham Palace, Mama Africa and Naw Go A Jail. He also impressed with his originalMake Place For The Youths.

Sevena set the pace with Chant It, Carry You, Bit Too Shy and Love The Play.

Saturday night also saw the GanJamaica Cup, a ganja competition. The country’s best ganja farmers showcased their strains which were judged by a panel.

The nine categories were: Best Sativa, Best Indica, Best Hash, Best Oil, Best Innovation, Best Product, People’s Choice Award, Best Booth, and Best International Collaboration.

Friday’s opening day saw veterans Freddie McGregor, Sister Carol and Half Pint doing well.

McGregor thrilled with hits from his vast repertoire such as Africa, Prophecy and Let Them Try while Half Pint scored with Greetings, Crazy Girl, Landlord, Level The Vibes, and Good to Me.

Sister Carol sang and danced her way into the hearts of receptive patrons.

Ganja Seed, Get it Straight and Herbal Affair were part of her set.

Chezidek kept the crowd on a high with ganja-infused songs.

“When you come to Rootz Fest yuh deal with roots and culture and ganja,” the St Ann native told the Jamaica Observer.

Dre Island and Daweh Congo also did well.

Last year, the inaugural festival was held as High Times Cannabis Cup. However, local organisers have severed ties with High Times, the New York magazine which owns rights to the Cannabis Cup.

According to organisers, the show is primarily aimed at mobilising, educating and connecting players in Jamaica’s emerging ganja industry following amendments to the Dangerous Drugs Act last year.

The event was scheduled to close last night.