A celebration honouring the life and works of Reggae legend Bob Marley in the heart of the city promised an evening filled with entertainment of epic proportions, and the annual Redemption Live concert delivered just that.

The Half-Way Tree Transport Centre came alive on Sunday evening as the sweet sounds of reggae music filled the air. There were few complaints from the audience about the choice of venue, as patrons grew accustomed to the event being held in larger spaces. However, any reservations about the concert's new home quickly disappeared as the show got under way.

The concert got off to a somewhat sluggish start as only a few of the opening acts managed to move the huge audience gathered inside the venue. Jay Prince, Ricky Chaplin, Christopher Ellis, and Garnet Silk Jr were among the acts whose performances were well received by the audience. Garnet Silk Jr, and Christopher Ellis, offsprings of two of Jamaica's most outstanding entertainers (Garnet Silk and Alton Ellis) had a lot riding on their performances. Luckily, both managed to hold their own, proving that they had indeed inherited the musical genes from their fathers. Ellis thrilled the audience with his smooth vocals, taking patrons on a somewhat nostalgic journey, as he delivered a few of his father's hits. Songs like I'm Still In Love and Breaking Up Is Hard To Do had the audience rocking and singing along. Silk Jr was equally impressive.

The entertainment value kicked into new gear as the next segment of the show got under way. Ikaya, Devin Di Dakta, and Tifa all managed to push the show to new levels as they each turned in good performances. Based on the crowd's response, the young Grammy nominee was easily the most impressive of the three, as he deejayed and danced his way into the hearts of the patrons.

The final lap of the concert promised to be explosive and that it was, as Jah 9, Kabaka Pyramid, Kymani Marley, Richie Spice, Capleton, and Beenie Man delivered superb sets. Though everyone had electrifying sets, Capleton, Richie Spice, and Kymani Marley were the standout acts in that dynamic segment.

SPECIAL SURPRISE

Marley had the audience glued to his every word as he delivered a few of his original songs, but it was his rendition of his father's Turn Your Lights Down Low, with one of his back-up singers, that garnered the most attention. He then treated the crowd to a special surprise when he invited his brothers to share the stage with him.

The crowd went wild as Stephen, Julian, Jr Gong and Rohan entered the stage to deliver a spectacular performance of their father's Could You Be Loved.

That was undoubtedly one of the biggest moments of the night, but it was the 'Fire Man' from St Mary who stole the show on Sunday night. He ignited the audience from the time he entered the stage until the very moment he left. His high-energy performance had the venue in total pandemonium, as he spewed hit after hit. He had the crowd jumping as hard as he was, as he delivered songs like Slew Dem, Jah Jah City, Or Wah, and That Day Will Come. His performance was so well received that when he made his exit from the stage, the crowd begged for him to stay a while longer.

The concert was a success and patrons left satisfied, and ready for next year's staging.

entertainment@gleanerjm.com