Entertainment

Marley honoured in Nine Miles

file photos - Fantan Mojah and Turbulence.

By MEL COOKE, Freelance Writer
western bureau:

BOB MARLEY WAS honoured in his birthplace of Nine Miles in St. Ann on Friday night, with the 'Dem A Go Tiad Fe See Me Face' showcase.

The main segment of the concert was replete with references to Bob Marley, from the informative History Man's Bob Marley Story to Ninja Man adapting to the situation and declaring "a Bob Marley ting. A Rasta ting. A righteous ting".

It got off to a late start ­ about 2:00 a.m. MC Shaka Fame asked the artistes to keep it short and spicy and in the main they did, with Fantan Mojah and Turbulence enjoying deserved, extended stage time.

Critical of cops

Chrishinti asked the small audience, which made up for numbers with enthusiasm and 'skanked' away the extreme chill of the night air, to Lift Up The Name of the King, the monarch in this case being Bob Marley. He was also critical of the police searching Rastafarians for marijuana, saying "If it was Bob Marley some stinkin' police stan' up in front a Bob Marley woulda sey... and he crooned "excuse me while I light my spliff.'"

'Take-offs'

Deejay Mikey Ranks said "Bob Marley used to promote education," proceeding to do the same by doing take-off's of Vybz Kartel's Tek ("school a de bes' ting/education no easy") and Elephant Man's Picture This ("no picture me/me a no figurine") to tremendous effect.

Young Jevaughn Genius played bass and sang Three Little Birds in a well-received display of musicianship; while Carl Dawkins expanded an encore for Satisfaction with a comment on the Gong. "It's good when you can satisfy your people and make them happy. Bob Marley satisfy, that is why we are here on his stamping ground a keep him alive," he said.

Jahmel delivered Turn Your Lights Down Low, to follow up his own plea "oh Lord/bless the food on my table".

It was not all a matter of unreserved tributes, though, as the minimal stage facilities caused Fantan Mojah to comment close to the end of his set, for which he delivered Mama Hungry and Hail The King to rapturous reception. He said that there was need for "a better stage in St. Ann. A Bob Marley sittin. We waan see pretty light". However, he congratulated promoter Junie Star for keeping the show going.

Along with Turbulence, Fantan Mojah had a major part of the night's performance time. Turbulence opened with Notorious, proceeding to criticise oral and anal sex, protect the animals ("run cow, un pig, run for your life"), advocate condom use ("me have to roll up before me stroll up") and illustrate how to check girls. He also criticised homosexuality, stating "I am not afraid. I burn b...yman and sodomite".

Other performers for the night included Ras Shiloh, Jahmali, Norris Man, Chezideck, Empress Tashoi, Jimmy Riley and Empress Tashoi.