Mahima Hope4Hope Music Festival was fittingly hosted on the
grounds of Hope Garden in Kingston on 28th October 2012. This year marked the
4th staging of the fundraiser event which seeks to garner support for cancer
awareness through music. Throughout the night the audience was entertained and
guided through each performance by the comedic commentary of Mutabaruka &
'hostess with the mostest', Mrs. Emprezz Golding.
The show began with reggae rock fusion band Skygrass who ended with an encore
of their single 'High Grade Love'. Jah9 came next beginning her set with
'Gratitude' using her emotively impressive vocals to remind us of the
importance to give thanks. She was backed by her roots band which was led by the
'Melchezidek, High Priest of Reggae Guitar'- Earl Chinna Smith. Following was the
young reggae prodigy Jesse Royal who delivered nothing short of a hearty
performance.
Fresh off their European tour, the band Raging Fyah took the stage with an
electrifying energy of roots rebel music that left the crowd begging for more.
The sensual crooner Daville came shortly after, wooing the ladies in attendance. He was joined not long after by deejay Charly Blacks to give fans a preview of
their new single, of course another ode for the ladies. After a brief band
change came the talented Duane Stephenson. His commanding voice and even more
compelling lyrics kept the momentum going of 'feel good' music that had been
the tone of the night.
The lovely songbird Alaine graced the stage thereafter delivering a splendid
performance as she bellowed crowd favorites after crowd favorites. And then
came I Wayne. With very little filter, the culture artiste intensified the
energy at Mahima with conscious lyrics and spiritual teachings for his
listeners. Veteran reggae group The Mighty Diamond followed taking the crowd
back with classics like "I Need A Roof" and "Pass the
Kutchie".
As the night drew closer to an end, the audience was still in high spirits and
ready for more "musical healing". In came Richie Spice decked in all
black. Spice's spirited performance warmed up the crowd for what would come
next. For the finale Mahima was closed in regal fashion by none other than the
King of the Dancehall, Beenie Man.
Despite of the small turnout due to the effects of hurricane Sandy, for those
in attendance Mahima once again proved to be a satisfying music experience. The
impressive line-up kept the audience grooving and singing along all night as
the soothing power of music manifested throughout Hope Garden. Mahima Hope4Hope
benefit concert in its fourth year has definitely earned its place as a staple event
to look forward to every year.
by Tanaka Tiki Roberts / Oct 29, 2012 01:02 pm