Mykal Rose (Ex Black Uhuru) and Sly & Robbie performed together and demonstrated why they’re legendary Reggae icons by delivering pure Reggae music! Mykal Rose rocked the crowd with his unique African traditional style of singing while Sly on the drums and Robbie on the Bass guitar showed why they’re part of Reggae’s foundation, they played classic Black Uhuru tunes such as “Guess who’s coming to dinner”. The crowd was very receptive and delighted. U-Roy also showed in his earlier performance why he’s considered the Godfather of Dancehall and also sang his classic dancehall tunes which are a combination of his Raggamuffin’ accompanied by singing by another performer. The organizers could have had a larger selection of food vendors and better crowd accomodation but the line-up was powerful and the Santa Monica Beach location scenic and beautiful.

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Jimmy Cliff’s performance coincided with the 40th anniversary a few days before of the release of the classic Jamaican Gangsta movie “The Harder They Come” in which he starred back in 1973. He started the show off with soulful Nyabinghi drumming and chanting much to the delight of the crowd. He also sang old classic 70s Anti-War material as well as new to reaffirm that old issues such as the Vietnam War are still relevant and being reapplied in new contexts such as Syria. Great energy and crowd interactions!

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Reggae Pon the Mountain happened in a smaller “chill” setting up in the Topanga Mountains and featured a nice selection of local and international artists as well as vendors (Food, Art, Clothing). The Festival featured the legendary Pato Banton who interacted with the crowd very nicely and delivered sultry Gospel-influenced vocals. “Da Lion” performed without their front drummer/leader Leon Mobley but rocked the crowd as their lead Singer Shakespeare delivered Lovers Rock and conscious lyrics with great energy while former members of the Heptones delivered solid background vocals. Mexico 68’s Afrobeat music was refreshing and provided some musical diversity to the Festival. Anthony B electrified the crowd with his energy, prompting Security to clear the hyped-up crowd near the smaller stage.

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Grammy winners Stephen and Damian Marley’s performance together was the highlight of this festival with their array of classic Reggae and Dancehall hits. There is so much chemistry between them.

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Stephen performing with Julian and Damian Marley much to the delight of the crowd.

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Jo Mersa Marley (Son of Stephen) performing with the Mic in hand. Stephen Marley called all of the Late great Bob Marley sons and grandsons up to the stage during his performance of the Bob Classic “Could you be loved”.

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Grammy winner Stephen Marley demonstrated with his poise, musical experience, contagious smile and happiness why he’s with Ziggy the most experienced Singer/Musician of the Marley Family. His son Jo Mersa also performed during his event while his littlest son stood by his side waving the Jamaican Flag during his performance. He did songs with Damian and Julian also much to the delight of the crowd and also welcomed the grandsons and granddaughters of the Late great Bob Marley onto the stage to dance and express Love & Happiness.

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Grammy winner Damian Marley probably had the best performance altogether for this festival. The Grammy winner performed many songs from the “Distant Relatives” collabo with Nas. The crowd was estatic as he also let Stephen, Julian and other members of the Ghetto Youths Crew make appearances. Damian’s performance was most definitely the highlight of this Festival.

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Alpha Blondy who is probably the closest African Reggae equivalent to Bob Marley demonstrated clearly why he was chosen to close out the Festival. He sang most of his classics from the 80s including Brigadier Sabari and Cocody Rock much to the great appreciation of the crowd that got very loud and sang along. The Ivory Coast Flag was waving high in the air during his performance and he represented The Motherland proudly and spoke his mind regarding African politics and the ongoing Middle-East crisis.

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Julian Marley sang his classic hits including “Systems” to the delight of the crowd with his style which is closer to his father’s Bob as he’s a true complete Reggae Singer/Guitarist. Julian is strictly Reggae as opposed to his brothers Stephen and Damian who also perform Dancehall songs. He sang with a lot of energy and conviction and also emulated his father’s dance with the trademark denim jeans and jacket. Great stage presence!

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Christopher Ellis and Wayne Marshall of the Marley Ghetto Youths Crew demonstrated clearly with their high vocal skills, energy and interactions with the crowd why they were signed by Reggae’s First Family. Each member of the Ghetto Youths Crew including Jo Mersa (son of Stephen) and Julian performed at least one or two songs to open for Damian and Stephen Marley and showcase their talents.

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Marcia Griffiths had a great LIVE performance, a true Reggae diva! She showed through her vocal and dance skills why she was chosen as the Late great Bob Marley’s back-up singer and member of the I-Threes along with the legendary Rita Marley and Judy Mowatt. Her talent is timeless as she danced and performed Reggae classics such as Dawn Penn’s “No, no, no” and even delved into the Dancehall music genre. She’s a true entertainer by the way she interacted with and moved the crowd through her excitement, voice and dance. Great performance!

Don Carlos showed why he’s a living legend as ex-member of Black Uhuru with his powerful vocal delivery. He sang many classic Reggae songs to the delight of the crowd.

Ras Michael showed why he’s a living legend and one of Reggae’s most respected elders by playing some Soul-soothing traditional Nyabinghi rhythms. His band put emphasis on the drumming and singing much to the delight of the crowd which absolutely loved the performance.

This was French Reggae Band Danakil’s first performance in the US and their lead singer Balik was excited and let the crowd know about it. While Balik sang Reggae or “singjayed”, Natty Jean his Senegalese partner covered the “Raggamuffin'” parts of the songs in his native Wolof, providing a now traditional blend of Reggae and Dancehall. Balik performed an original remake of French singer Edith Piaf’s “Non, je ne regrette rien”, showing his versatility as an artist. The crowd was intrigued yet appreciated the performance.

Leroy Sibbles ex-member of the Heptones showed why he’s a legend with his powerful and beautiful voice. He sang many Reggae classics like Satta Massagana of Third World and other 70s classics. He also performed some Ska and Rock Steady tracks educating some of the younger Audience members. Nice performance!

The 20th anniversary of this three-day World Music Festival was safe and very well-organized despite overcrowding. Wolof Times reporters Bunaama Diagne (See pictures with Julian Marley, Jo Mersa Marley and Alpha Blondy) and Sunny Moore (See pictures with Damian Marley and Luciano) made sure they attended and camped on the site for three days. The Marleys (See pictures above for Damian, Julian and Jo Mersa) and entire “Ghetto Youths Crew” were the main acts but the Festival also featured Alpha Blondy (See picture), Luciano (See picture), Don Carlos, Marcia Griffiths, Ras Michael, Leroy Sibbles, Gappy Ranks and Fatoumata Diawara to name a few. Emphasis was made on diversity with the variety of performers’ nationalities. The scenery was beautiful amidst the mountains of Mendocino County.