Tribute to the Legends of Reggae: Bob Marley Edition

BY MICHAEL THOMAS

I am tempted to just use one sentence to describe this event and leave it there. “These guys would have made Bob Marley Proud.”

I am speaking of the tribute to the Right Honorable Robert Nester Marley at the Mississauga Living Arts Center on October 25^th, 2024.

First of all, the protocol was followed to the max, and by that, I mean, the show started on time. From my point of view, it was an event to behold, and I would go as far as saying I look forward to next year.

Now if you were not there in person, let me inform you of the treat that you missed blow by blow.

Justice Kumari opened the show and even though it was my first time seeing and hearing him, this kid is hard working on stage. He belted out one of Bob’s early tracks Called “Iron Lion Zion” and a few more, and even though his hairstyle said Rock ‘n Roll, his rendition said Marley all the way, I was impressed.

The show was decently attended considering it was Friday. The musicians were no-nonsense players who certainly complimented the singers in style and true Reggae fashion, hats off to the band.

Picking up from where Justice Kumari left off in the second performer was Omega Mighty and this young woman brought the house down with her rendition of Marley’s “Buffalo Soldier,” “Natural Mystic” and “Could You Be Loved.” Omega is soulful as they come but knows how to keep the soul inside the Reggae house.

Ammoye closed the first half of the tribute with all the trappings of a star, the hair, the costume, and a voice to dream of, not to mention her dance steps, she is a performer who goes all out to satisfy her audience and her tribute to Bob was no exception.

Ammoye has always made a song her own, which is what it is all about, and her spin on Marley’s “Don’t Rock My Boat” was exceptional as well as the other numbers she belted out including “Is This Love That Am Feeling” and “Play I Some Music, This Is Reggae Music.” Ammoye is always a great asset to a show.

This tribute to Bob Marley came complete with a Raggamuffin DJ as well in the person of DJ Joshua Lucas. Lucas was responsible for keeping the house rocking to an archive of Bob’s music, and the brother represented to the max.

After intermission, the last two artists had their work cut out and these two guys were two showstoppers, first up came RnB’s sensation Sean Jones. From observing Jones one can tell he is very experienced in the field of RnB and his vocal technique is something else.

He was another great addition to this Bob Marley tribute, and very charismatic too. He told the audience stories about his Jamaican family and kept them on their toes with every rendition. This brother belted out Marley’s “I Shot the Sheriff” and “Redemption Song” with no glitches, I was pleasantly surprised to hear such from an RnB singer, but like we say “singer, ah singer” nuh suh? Again, Sean Jones made Marley’s songs his own and that was priceless.

As I took photos and soaked in the evening, I kept wondering, why are they leaving Steele for last? That question was answered when the host, who was none other than MC Bondé, introduced him to the crowd.

Steele is a one-of-a-kind very electrifying performer with a unique way of selling you an emotional package, which he usually wraps his songs in, and that he did with his passionate rendition of Marley’s “Slave Driver.”

As only Steele could, he delivered track after track of Bob’s songs putting his stamp on each one and yet, he found time to crack jokes with his audience at the same time.

Education and entertainment all wrapped up in one bag. Hats off to all the folks including Jones & Jones Production for an evening to remember.