REGGAE RUNNINGS - 24 September 2008

By Jesse I

It’s been a busy few weeks for Melbourne reggae, with some great international shows taking place recently. Bushman was in fine form at the Corner Hotel on August 28, though I think the gig would have had more vibes in a smaller club setting rather than a band venue. The highlight for me was his extended acapella request session, with tunes such as I Burn and Life sung to perfection. Two nights later it was Chaka Demus and Pliers at Miss Libertine, and I was honestly blown away by the quality of this one. These guys have obviously aged well, as they were both on point, and had the crowd captivated from the very first note. Chaka Demus summed it up when he said “I feel like there are a million people in this room”, as this was about the loudest response I’ve heard at a Melbourne show, and not only for the big chart hits either. September 13 it was Jah Mason at Miss Libertine, another killer show despite lower numbers than last year when he performed at Brown Alley, and a very similar set list – great to have the fire back in town at any rate.

September 12 it was all about the girls, as the Melbourne heat of the 2008 Dancehall Queen contest came to Amber Lounge, hosted by K-Note and Nick Toth of Sydney’s Surgeon General Sound. Congratulations to the clear winner Rue, who lead from the very first round, putting on a mad show with some killer moves, and a lot of personality. Also, a special big up to last year’s queen Lydia, who absolutely dun the place with her guest performance.

Reggae lost another important figure this month, as veteran producer Bertram Brown passed away at age of 58 on September 8. Though not one of Jamaica’s most prolific producers, Brown’s Freedom Sounds label was responsible for roots anthems including Rod Taylor’s Ethiopian Kings, Earl Zero’s Shackles and Chains, the Mighty Threes’ Africa Shall Stretch Forth Her Hand, and Prince Alla’s crucial Only Love Can Conquer. Brown will also be remembered as a pillar of Jamaica’s Greenwich Farm community, where he lived for his entire life. RIP.

Respect to New Zealand’s Messenjah of Reality Chant productions and Dubwize Sound, who has just released his own Country Living riddim on 7” vinyl, distributed by One Love in Jamaica. A sweet roots number, the riddim features vocals from Jamaican artists Jah Mason, Luciano, Chrisinti, Mikey General and Ginjah, as well as NZ’s Sypa Levi. Messenjah will be in Melbourne next month, showcasing his own productions and playing a full set at Miss Libertine on Saturday 11th October at More Fire. Support on the night comes from More Fire residents Chant Down Sound, plus MC Damajah, Housewife’s Choice, and Armagideon Time.

This Saturday night Vida Sunshyne returns from Jamaica to rejoin Sista Itations for Pressure Drop at Laundry - plus guests Night Nurse, Binghi Fire, General Dread, and Danielson.

Thursday 2nd October brings the third 45 Shoot Out at La Di Da, this time featuring selectors Troublemaker, Maruza, Sista Sarah and Fee going head to head in a 7” soundclash. If you haven’t checked one of these yet, you’re missing out on serious musical murder! Big up to Redbelly who took it out last month, narrowly defeating Armagideon Time in the final tune-fi-tune, despite the latter leading the dance all night to that point.