Impressions: A St. Mary Mi Come From, Capleton’s Gift to Jamaica

Words and Photos by Martei Korley—

Originally Capleton’s annual A St. Mary Mi Come From concert was scheduled for August 5, the eve before Jamaica’s 50th Independence Day. But that was before Hurricane Allen decided to pass by, and drop wind and water en masse (not to mention rolling power outages) on the entire island. Rumors of an October rain date circulated for a while, but fortunately the 18 of August was chosen instead. Where the original date was a wash-out, this date was definitely tun-up! LargeUp made the journey again and arrived just in time to see Dr. Julius Garvey, son of the Honorable Marcus Mosiah Garvey, who was in the country in celebration of the 125th Birthday of his father. Standing on stage with the Fireman himself, he said: “Big Up to all Rastaman, dem keep the memory of Marcus Garvey alive — Nuff Respect!”

A St. Mary Mi Come From has a more humble set-up technically than many other shows, no frills here: All proceeds from the show are donated to charities benefiting children in St.Mary and around the island, a testimony to the true Rastafari principles of Capleton. This year’s edition was full of surprises with a feelgood flavor not least because another son of St.Mary, Ninjaman, passed through to show how great dancehall still can be. Like any real stage show, it “went from the night straight back til a mawnin.” More artists than can be mentioned here were in attendance, young and old, and the general performance level was very high. When was the last time Ninjaman clash Cocoa Tea??!

Sizzla and Judgement Yard passed through in a big way, reeling off tune after tune for a mesmerized crowd…

Flags were waved ferociously

Full attention is demanded of the audiences during performances like these!

Guide over us Emperor Selassie I, dem yah road yah so rugged and steep…

Lacefront tun up…

King Shango a di King of Fire, King of Fire!!!

Ninjaman enters the stage…

So Capleton ups the stakes: Lighter, Lighter!!

As dawn breaks, Capleton is still on and off center stage, introducing artists and reeling off hits

A stage show is a marathon exercise in patience and endurance. Everyone knows that the best performances are due at daybreak but not all can manage the many hours on their feet.

Flares and vuvuzelas seem to have more or less replaced burning Baygon aerosol cans as the salute of choice

Capleton’s cousin, Munga, shares the stage with Teflon and others

Gypie sang a couple of his hits too, staying close to his roots with “Serious Times” and “My Faada Seh”

This youngster was not shy about holding the mic in front of a large crowd and did quite well.

But of course a mischievous Ninjaman has to put a twist on things…

So he asked a simple question of the young artist.

Show me how you spell “Desmond”!

My name is Desmond, bam-dead man, me nuh let man, fried bread man…

Huh?

Slowly but surely the sun rose over the hills

Ninja:”Mi tiyad fi si yuh now, man!” Capleton: Hits pon top a hits…

Capleton leaves the stage to the remaining performers…

But takes time to pose for pictures with fans backstage

Rastafari came out in force to show support…

Capleton takes a breather after a long night, chillin with Predator and other bredrin…

While Ninjaman continues to clash with Cocoa Tea…Coco Tea came well rested and smiling to the show. Guess the drive from Clarendon energized him, ’cause he turned it way up…

Droop Lion prepares for the drive back to town and some well deserves rest, after a great performance earlier in the night.

Mek we hol’ two a dem peanut deh, and get back to KIN ourselves…