@ The Brewery, Byron Bay, [04.12]
One music, one people and one love was the message as artists and festival goers from all corners of the globe descended on The Brewery for Byron Bay's inaugural Reggaefest. As a venue The Brewery was a surprising success, able to accommodate the crowds as they flowed from one stage to the other. The Front Yard selecta stage provided an alternative space for a dance or a drink away from the activity of the live stages and the bar and dining space (the Jamaican flavour extending to the restaurant menu!).
Reggaefest presented a showcase of fine Australian and New Zealand reggae, dub and dancehall artists. Matty Woods, the 'Rasta boy from Wollongong' had the honour of opening the festival. His roots-reggae grooves infused with elements of indigenous Australia and his willingness to approach relevant contemporary issues set the tone for a day of culture and consciousness.
Wellington based Hikoikoi amped up the 'psychedelic factor' with their original style while Blaze Fire Sound collaborated with Saritah to produce smooth soulful beats with a lot of energy. Raz Bin Sam & The Lion I Band’s frontman not only knows how to put on a festival, but he knows how to get a message across with his mid-Eastern flavoured sound.
Italy's Sud Sound System presented relentless ragga to an appreciative audience while the boys from Paua offered spine tingling harmony from their own blend of NZ reggae. Locals Fyah Walk received one of the loudest welcomes from the crowd. While Simon Jerrems from Fyah Walk stayed on the stage sharing his vocal talents with Darky Roots for their opening number. Darky Roots effortlessly maintained the momentum of the afternoon and performed another outstanding set. Kingfisha’s capacity to assemble rich layers of sound live on stage coupled with attention grabbing melodies left no one in any doubt of their ability to deliver a tune.
Jah Clarity was a surprise high energy warm-up for Jamaica's Turbulence. The audience barely knew what had hit them when Jah Clarity took to the stage. He set the scene for Turbulence, who together, gave the audience a taste of what passion and electricity Jamaican dancehall DJs can bring to their performances. The 'Notorious' Turbulence is a natural entertainer who could initiate crowd involvement and left a lasting impression on the audience.
Mista Savona Sound System can get people moving but when he is in full band mode he is unstoppable. Vida-Sunshyne was in fine form out front and they all collectively made sure that no one was standing still as they closed the Garden Stage for the night.
Having played a mind-blowing marathon three-hour set on the same stage the night before, Virgin Island rasta’s Midnite demonstrated why they are recognised as one of the greatest contemporary roots reggae acts of the moment. Their set was deep and reverent and guaranteed that as people were ushered out of the venue at the end of the night that Reggaefest has the power and potential to stand amongst Australia's leading dub and reggae festivals. Jah Rastafari!
Lachlan Douglas
