It was the eve of the widely-recognised 4/20 celebrations and organisers of the inaugural staging of High Life Festival could not have asked for a more perfect introduction to the live events calendar.

Held on the grounds of the High Life Lawns on Lady Musgrave Road, the musical showcase delivered on its promise of feeding people’s souls through wholesome reggae songs.

The entertainment may have got off to a slouchy start with technical glitches interrupting the opening set of performances, but the night ended on the kind of high that no doubt left patrons on cloud nine.

The night’s line-up included the likes of newcomer Sobah, singer Joby Jay, Ras-I, Iotosh, D’Yani, Jashii, Big Youth, Jah-9, and the “small axe” himself, Jesse Royal. But festival-goers got much more than they bargained for after Lila Ike, Jaz Elise, Samoury-I, Naomi Cowan, and Sevana served up a little something extra with cameo appearances.

The unity among the performers was palpable as they shared the stage, eliciting loud cheers from a delighted audience with each song delivered.

But long before the main act graced the stage, his colleagues carried the vibe. From up-and-coming singer Sobah to the more experienced Big Youth, the power of reggae music reigned supreme. Sobah, though still a fresh act, proved a force to be reckoned with as she not only sang beautiful melodies but interacted with the crowd in a short but sweet set. Her single 10 Fried Dumplings was a crowd-favourite as she used a local gastronomic delight to whet the audience’s appetite for the acts that followed. Clearly hungry for more, the audience soaked up every bit of Iotosh’s performance that followed before feasting on Job Jay’s equally satisfying set.

The night then got a lot more exciting as Ras-I took control of the microphone. Declaring there was no space for the “deady-deady” vibes, the artiste professed his love for marijuana while encouraging the audience to pay homage to the herb on 4/20 eve.

“It’s a Rastaman vibration. A di herb part a di set dis, so light up every chalice and every spliff,” he said before seguing into his single, Know Herb. He closed his set with his song Kingman Thing but not before performing newly-minted Jamaica Tourist Board campaign single, Somewhere Wonderful. He made way for dancehall artiste Jashii, who managed to take the vibes to even higher heights.

Injecting a splash of dancehall into the night’s reggae mix, the Cream A Di Crop deejay gave a powerful performance that left patrons fulfilled. The entertainer seemingly poured it all out as he spoke of his struggles as a product of one of Kingston’s tough inner-city communities.

“A nuff me go through inna life; a tell mi a tell unnu dat, and me have the ability to do anything me waan do. Some people just have the intention,” he said before performing his hit single Keep Up. He received heavy forwards from the crowd. His performance only got better with each song as the audience, clearly relating to the entertainer’s story, had their eyes glued to the stage. He delivered songs such as Born Fighter, Pieces, and even a rendition of CeCe Winans’ Goodness of God in an emotional set which also included a stint from fellow dancehall act Jquan.

Jashii made way for D’Yani. Switching things up to focus on the ladies, D’Yani served up Goddess, Feelings, and Señorita. He also encouraged the audience to live life without limits as he performed his single Live A Little.

Veteran reggae act Big Youth thrilled the audience in a special performance on what was his 76th birthday. Clearly happy to have been able to share in the moment, the audience gave the living legend his due by providing their undivided attention as he delivered songs such as Hit The Road Jack.

Jah-9 also turned in a fiery set with a number of tracks from her impressive catalogue, among them
Avocado and New Name.

Keeping the energy high, Jesse Royal took to the stage and pulled out all the stops to ensure High Life Festival stamped its class on the live event’s scene. He delivered songs such as High Tide or Low, Sweet Sensation, and Light of Mine featuring his daughter Khorus.

But it was the collaborative effort between the small axe and the new generation of female reggae singers that sent the energy over the top. Lila Ike, Jaz Elise, Naomi Cowan, and Sevana all rode a single rhythm to send the High Life crowd into a new level of satisfaction. Owning the Rock and Groove rhythm, the ladies not only performed their original singles, but also masterfully served up several reggae classics while maintaining full control.

Transitioning from their songs, the quartet performed reggae favourites from the likes of Barrington Levy, Rita Marley, Beres Hammond, and even Vybz Kartel.

Beaming with pride at the night’s turnout and event execution, Jason Panton, co-producer of the High Life Festival, told the Jamaica Observer that he was pleased with the show’s début.

“We thought we could get a good turnout tonight, because we had a good foundation between Dubwise, Jesse, and the other artistes, and we did. We have sponsors who are now interested in growing with us and we’re happy with that,” he said. “We wanted to do something special and Jah was in control. We were working and we give thanks for blessings, big and small.”

“Jesse and I are friends,” he said, he’s like a younger brother to me and we threw around this idea of having a festival in 2019 and we’re just happy to get it off the ground. There is enough space in the industry for more live shows, more festivals because artistes need platforms like these.”

Naomi Cowan takes over the High Life Festival stage.

Lila Ike

Jesse Royal builds the vibes. (Photos: Karl Mclarty)

Big Youth delivers big on his earth strong. (Photos: Karl Mclarty)

D’Yani talks with the ladies. (Photos: Karl Mclarty)

Ras-I (Photos: Karl Mclarty)

Joby Jay goes through her set. (Photos: Karl Mclarty)

Iotosh (Photos: Karl Mclarty)

Sobah