Impressions: Live From Kingston with Protoje + Friends

Words by Tami Tsansai, Photos by el Puru and Martei Korley

There’s a reggae revival rocking Jamaica, with a flurry of up-and-coming artists determined to bring the music back to its roots, and free the masses from Babylon’s grip. The fortunate emergence of a series of culturally-minded acoustic concerts over the past few months has brought a welcome change from the inarticulate music that’s flooded the landscape in recent years. While dancehall does have its place, and a sizable portion at that, given its current state it is only natural that the need for ‘realness’ would emerge to counteract the dumbing down of Jamaican music.

It’s as if a group of prolific, talented, grounded young artists suddenly awakened to intense cultural starvation and simultaneously moved towards the Tree of Life. And no, I don’t mean weed, I mean reggae. Subtract the hype. Give us the bare essentials—no bling, no dancing girls, no profiling—just pure, sweet, live, conscious reggae, complete with militant lyrics, sweetened with scintillating instrumentals, Afro-centric fashion, black pride and the necessary ‘uptown’ profilers and groupies.

Live From Kingston last Saturday in Manor Park, Jamaica, was living proof of this. The third in a series of concerts presented by I&I Worldwide at the Base Kingston & Belle store—this time in association with Anubis Communications and We Are Massiv–the show certainly delivered much-needed entertainment and mental stimulation, with performances from Protoje, Jesse Royal, Nyla and Kelissa. Scroll through el Puru (black and white) and Martei Korley’s (color) photo series, and start making plans for the next one!

Tami Tsansai is a writer/blogger and make-up artist living in Kingston Jamaica. Follow her on her blog, Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.

Di dance ram! Manor Park Plaza was packed with patrons at last Saturday’s Live From Kingston

Up-and-coming singer/songwriter Kelissa delivered thought-provoking lyrics

Jesse Royal stole the show with his impassioned ‘revivalist’ performance.

Nyla, formerly of the duo Brick & Lace (she’s now a solo act), showed off her impressive vocals with a series of covers. (I was really hoping for more original material, especially with it being her debut performance.) Loved the styling, though!

Selectors Rory Stone Love(pictured) and Yaadcore kept the vibe going with wicked tunes.

Reggae rebel Protoje’s fervent set featured guest acts like Kabaka Pyramid (centre) and Jah9, and was well received. Also pictured is his talented guitarist Jason Lee Worton. His backing band was superb, especially the back-up singers.

Protoje engages the audience

Red Bull On Air… live!!!

Protoje pauses for a moment to take it all in, during a high-energy set that saw the audience singing along to almost every track

A peek at the number of reggae fans in attendance.

Protoje’s Indiggnation backing band, featuring the talented Donald Bennett on bass, is among Jamaica’s best

Patrons absorbing the music

Blaze!!!

Reggae artiste Chronixx jokes around backstage

Jesse Royal hanging with satisfied fans (and producer/artist Goldie) after his performance

Jesse Royal, with producer Kareem Burrell and guitarist Lamont” Monty” Savory

The Base Kingston & Belle store was open throughout the event, and they also had a We Are Massiv pop-up shop at the venue