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Reggae Jam 2024 - Festival Report
07/26/2024 by Gardy Stein
REGGAE JAM 2024 - 30th ANNIVERSARY
"Live it up, live it up, positive people!" (Martin Zobel)
30 years of Reggae Jam! In a time where even well-established festivals cancel their annual implementation due to financial pressures, it is a big accomplishment to keep such an event happening. Starting from a little showcase on the back of a truck, founder Bernd Lagemann aka Sheriff has managed to steadily nurture and grow his vision of musical celebration into the beautiful family gathering it is today. This year's pearl jubilee brings people from all corners of Germany to Bersenbrück, eager to enjoy a weekend with loved ones and beloved reggae, to "live it up", as above quote suggests.
The positive people mentioned are needed more than ever in these times to bring joy, understanding, love and environmental awareness into our troubled world, and those who come to this wide-open space are definitely up to the task. Team Reggaeville is on the spot to document some of the most beautiful moments of this weekend for you, so make sure you read along and check out the photo galleries and videos telling the story of this very special anniversary.
THURSDAY, July 25th 2024
As always, the first thing after arriving is a tour of the festival grounds to meet & greet and see what's new. The family camping was moved to a different location and the Roots Camp has found a new home closer to the buildings.
Again, the crews have put in a lot of effort to beautify "their" place, arranging the different stacks of Rootsplague Sound, Kunterbunt Sound, Zion Garden and Simple Skank (currently playing) in a semi-circle, surrounded by the food and drink stalls, a children's corner and the waterslide at the river.
The biggest surprise so far is the Dancehall Tent. It has moved to its original location on the field, but it's not the ordinary white construction used in previous years – a huge circus tent has been pitched to welcome the visitors in gloriously shining red and yellow, and an impressive wooden Rasta sculpture greets us at the entrance. I can't wait to dive into that excitement at night!
For now, Da Sandwichmaker is the place to be. He announced that this will be the last year he brings his mobile kitchen to the Reggae Jam, so a certain melancholy surrounds the encounters here. Both Steffen, his business partner Dieter and members of his team have to wipe a tear or two from their eyes throughout the evening, and I'm not the only one wondering aloud how the festival will feel without that Moa Fire crew.
At 6pm, what will develop into a massive jam session starts with a band called Roots Generation (one of the first live acts playing on his sessions, Steffen tells us). Having grown from the project Roots Brothers, this is a family affair indeed, with Jah Dentist on keys and vocals, his wife Judith on backings and their daughter Nela on bass; drums and guitar are played by twin brothers.
Up next, Toké, Cookie and Mo take over, casting their net of musical magic over us, and the place fills up quickly with arriving friends and curious newcomers. Next thing we know is that a bunch of singers is lined up on the makeshift stage, representing all corners of the world: Lenny Souljah outta Bavaria, Vido Jelashe from South Africa, Italee from Jamaica, Commander Messiah, a talented young singer from Ethiopia, and Jah Tung from Australia, who takes over the drums while Toké continues playing guitar and Jah Dentist is on keys. Their joint energy is amazing, a wild mix of freestyle improvisation and covers of reggae classics, with Italee mashing up the place and interacting with the audience so that everyone feels included. Martin Zobel continues the good vibes with a relaxed acoustic set, only him and his remarkable voice, while the other artists grab a drink and join the audience on the grass.
When darkness falls, I finally make my way to the Dancehall. Entering that space is breathtaking, not only because of the special vibe a circus generally carries, but also because of the decorations inside. Above our heads, vinyls are hanging on lines stretched between the poles, with shimmering lights in between, and below our feet is a soft layer of straw. And the sound! Massive speakers blast into the night air as Selecta Trixa and MC Tommy start the set of Sheriff's Sound Patrol, and Sheriff himself comes on stage a bit after, bringing a wooden sculpture of hearts that proudly says "30 years Reggae Jam" (created by an artist called René). As every year, he welcomes the festival visitors, promising to make this weekend a special one, also inviting us to the first ever Jamaican edition of Reggae Jam International on December 27th & 28th. "All of you people, help me bring a positive vibe to my hometown. Let's celebrate together 30 years of Reggae Jam and have an unforgettable weekend!" he says before music takes over, from Dancehall veterans like Buju Banton, Capleton, Beenie Man and Bounty Killer to new generation artists such as Vybz Kartel, Shenseea and Lila Iké.
When Silly Walks play at midnight, the tent is packed, getting hotter by the minute with the fire selection that Joscha and Olli and the latter's son DJ Boas provide, and only reluctantly I pull myself away to check out Da Sandwichmaker stage again. Once there, I'm rewarded with another high-energy performance of Italee and Ganjaman, who gives me the umpteeth goosebumps of the day with his anti-war song Ich Wünsche Mir So Sehr. The drizzly rain that has started to fall doesn't deter people from dancing and enjoying the vibes all around (next to the Dancehall and Da Sandwichmaker, there is the Roots Camp, of course, and the Riverside Disco, where Sunfire Sound is currently playing) until the strict curfew at 3am. Live it up, beautiful Reggae Jam people!
FRIDAY, July 26th 2024
This is Day 1 of Reggae Jam 2024, and we are celebrating 30 years of a Bersenbrück success story! The morning air is fresh, but it's quite warm already and no more liquid sunshine is predicted, so it promises to be a beautiful day. Team Reggaeville is complete, having found a new home in the catering barn on the other side of the stage, where diligent volunteers have prepared everything for the guests and artists expected over the next days. Big up to the hard-working crew with the friendly smiles!
3:45pm, MUSEUM IM KLOSTER – BUNTE HUNDE EXHIBITION
Since we still have a few hours until the stage shows start, my colleague Rune and I decide to visit the special exhibition at the local museum, right next to the festival area. A lot of Reggae-Jam-themed graffiti paintings are on display, depicting famous artists like Lee "Scratch" Perry, Marcia Griffiths and Bob Marley, but also abstract ones with titles like Super Baked. Katharina Pfaff, the curator of the museum, tells us that they were created by a group of local artists called Bunte Hunde (Christian Ahrens, Marcel Ostendorf, Alexander Cordes and Max Fuhrmann), who brought their different creative styles to the project - there is even a night-time section with pictures illuminated by black light! Divine timing has it that we bump into Italee and my friend Laura from Hamburg, and together we head to Da Sandwichmaker to say good morning.
4:21pm, ROOTS CAMP – BEER YOGA
The festival plan says that a Beer Yoga session is taking place here, and I'm too curious to stay away. On a patch of grass next to the area's bar, a group of maybe forty people has gathered around an instructor and a crate of beer, and each participant holds a bottle of this cherished beverage. Under lots of laughter, they repeat the movements and positions their teacher shows them, giving instructions like "Bring the bottle to your nose and inhale deeply!" or "Stretch your left arm to the sky and then bring it back to your mouth and take a deep sip!". Advanced yogi are even encouraged to balance the bottle on their head while doing the tree pose – everyone here is clearly having fun. WATCH BEER YOGA HERE!
With all the carefully placed decorations, the many artistic corners inviting visitors to participate in meditation, art or sports and the big soundsystem stacks which fill the air with booming bass, the Roots Camp creates a special atmosphere and is a great site to start the festival day.
6:01pm, MAIN RED – OPENING WITH IRIE MIAH
Moderator Ganjaman is on stage, sending a warm welcome to the people already there. He might have done some yoga himself earlier, as his first words are "Breathe in, and breathe out. Be in the here and now. Let's get MS Reggae Jam on the way!" He is joined by MC Jabbar, who fills in for the broken-legged Dr. Ring Ding and expresses his joy of leading us through the festival. "Are you ready for three days of reggae music, great artists, peace, love and harmony?", he asks, and then they announce the festival opener, Irie Miah. The German band outta Münster definitely brings the sunshine in, literally, as lead singer Jörg Meier blinks into the bright rays that now break through the clouds during their performance.
7:11pm, MAIN GREEN – MYSTICAL FAYA
Ok, I'm fangirling now – Mystical Faya is in the plaaace! Ever since I discovered this French band last year, their music has become a faithful companion, and I'm thrilled to see them live for the first time ever. The band consists of Riké on bass, Guillaume on drums, Martin on keys as well as Brice and Mo aka Skanky Man on guitars, and they are all masters of their craft. Their authentic roots style is infectious, completed by singer Loïc Paulin, an amazing vocalist who joined the live dub band shortly after their formation in 2007. Starting with the dub version of my personal favorite, Shine Bright, they take us on a journey through their album Brighter Days with songs like Cut Your Ties or the emotional My Song, but also play older pieces like Sleeping Souls or Go Away Satan. A special treat - and a bow to the veterans of the genre - are their cover versions of Dennis Brown, Gregory Isaacs (My Number One) and Bob Marley (So Much Things To Say), and the steadily growing audience is quickly falling under the band's spell. Few people knew them before today, but all those I'm talking to are deeply impressed.
7:49pm, MAIN RED – SCHWARZPAUL
The deep impression left by the next band two weeks ago at Gracy's Bash is consolidated here, even more so as there is no rain this time. "We are Schwarzpaul, and we haven't seen you for the last six years. You still look amazing, Reggae Jam, and this song is for you!" singer Tim says, beaming at the crowd, and then he and his band dynamically perform songs like Freunde Sein, 48 Stunden or Lass Mich Ziehn, diving into some fine live dub sporadically.
8:23pm, MAIN GREEN – MELLOW MARK
The place is slowly filling up, and the artist rocking the stage right now really gets them moving. Mellow Mark asks everyone to jump up and, given the energetic backing of members of the Boomrush Backing Band (Felix on keys, Jannis on drums, Simon on guitar and Flo on bass), the crowd gladly complies. Fortunately, his song Tanz Im Regen ('dance in the rain') is not describing the current weather conditions, as they are perfect for a festival: warm enough to wear all the colorful summer outfits the visitors have chosen to bring (you look stunning, people!), a cover of clouds and a fresh breeze now and then. Thank you, Petrus!
9:06pm, MAIN RED – DANCEHALL UNIVERSITY WITH CHI CHING CHING
This man is a giant! For the first time ever on Reggae Jam territory, Chi Ching Ching is on a mission to make the crowd dance. His Don Andre and Ding Dong combination Tom Cruise, for instance, is a big hit in Jamaica and comes with a special dance move that he now performs, urging everyone to move along, too. "Everybody, dip with me!" the artist insists, "When Chi Ching Ching is on stage, everybody haffi dance!". He then brings a little boy of maybe 6 years on stage, showing him the basic moves to the next song. It is the sweetest interaction, at the end of which Chi Ching Ching says "Guys, you have to teach me some German!".
Singing and dancing with his fans, he then makes a trip through the crowd and brings on the heat with covers like Beenie Man's New Dance. When he is back on stage, another surprise addition to his show are the 8 or so female dancers that climbed up with him. They show the audience what Dancehall dancing looks like, adapting their moves to the song currently playing (Cause Trouble). At least one among them, Lady Lis from Hamburg, is a professional dancer who helps to establish this art form in Germany by inviting Jamaican dancers over to teach their moves in regular classes and workshops. Of course, there will be people who complain that Reggae Jam is not the right platform for this kind of vibe, but hey, Dancehall (and dancing) is a deep-rooted part of Jamaica's culture, and the joy and dynamism brought across by artists such as Chi Ching Ching are definitely worth our time and attention. What he does at the end of his set, sitting on one of the monitors, is something I would call Dancehall Poetry, as he delivers a string of deep, accurately timed lyrics. He then parts with the words "Goodbye Reggae Jam. Love your life!"
10:47pm, MAIN GREEN – SAMORA
Having described the next act's performance in the SummerJam Festival Report, suffice it to say that Samora and her band again shone. What sets this show apart is the surprise feature of Natty King during their combination You Give Me Love. The two artists proudly hold up an award that says it reached place 13 on the US iTunes Charts before performing this last song together, leading right into…
10:56pm, MAIN RED – MELLOW MOOD & SURPRISE CAKE
…an Italian experience! The twins from Pordenone know how to rock a crowd, moving left and right and center (hard to catch for the photographers, as one of them tells me later) to the different styles they ride. Miss Mary is a livication to all Ganja smokers, getting an instant pull-up, and the Kabaka Pyramid combination Mr. Global ends in a shout-out to the Jamaican artist: "Accurate, immaculate!" They are among those artists who comment on the current state of affairs, shouting "We don't want no war, don't it?" twice before finishing their set to approving applause.
Ganjaman and MC Jabbar then take over, sending a shout-out to everyone involved in keeping the festival running and, together with Sheriff himself, announce a special surprise. They bring a delicious-looking cake in red gold and green with the Lion of Judah, congratulating House Of Riddim to their 20th anniversary. The band, having just finished their soundcheck on the other stage, are visibly moved, hugging Sheriff and posing for a picture. What a nice move to acknowledge their long-standing contribution to reggae music in general and to this festival in particular!
00:56am, MAIN GREEN – NATTY KING & HOUSE OF RIDDIM
The band thus blessed now plays with Natty King, an artist who is no stranger to this stage. He is a bit impatient with the crowd in the beginning, but when he reaches his well-known hit No Guns To Town, they have warmed up sufficiently to flow with him. "People, have you heard that Reggae Jam is going to Jamaica?" he then addresses the audience, telling us how important it is to support events like this. When he then waves his final good-bye, Sheriff himself picks up the mic for an important announcement.
01:02am, MAIN RED – SHERIFF
"His band is here, and Luciano is in Germany as well, but he won't be able to perform tonight.", the Reggae Jam Boss tells the visitors, who react with shouts and whistles of protest. "He is held by the federal police at the airport in Düsseldorf because he has the wrong visa.", Sheriff continues to explain, "We have done everything in our power to contact the officials for an exceptional permit, but it didn't work out." You can almost feel the disappointment of those who came to see The Messenjah, but the festival will have to continue without him.
01:36am, MAIN GREEN – BUSY SIGNAL
Busy Signal and band are playing many hits from the artist's extensive catalogue, but this one is a favorite: Reggae Music Again! Lighters are up, and together with the beautiful light installations (shout-out to the light engineer!), the festival atmosphere is back. Dancehall heat is on with Busy's own tracks Nah Go A Jail Again (beautiful: the Buju cover intro!) and musical props to other artists with covers like Shabba's Bed Room Bully. The song Free Up receives strong reactions from the crowd, just as it did in the Dancehall Tent yesterday. The fact that both dark- and light-skinned people party and sing along to this song together, loudly, testifies to the bridges built, the connections forged, the mutual respect fostered in and by spaces like these.
A personal highlight is the moment when the Brighter Days riddim starts and the audience sings along on their own. Out comes the sun… "Big up Sheriff, big up to all the promoters that make Reggae Jam happen!" Busy says, "And most importantly, big up yourselves, no matter where you come from. We are one people!"
02:39am, DANCEHALL TENT – SOUNDQUAKE
While Busy finishes his show with some of his classics, I pick my way to the Dancehall Tent in an attempt to catch up on some of the vibes missed so far. Soundquake is in full swing over her, Hille flanked by Knut and Rodney (from Kingstone), and they proudly present Dickes B as well as a Seeed dubplate, sending out a livication to the late Black Kappa. Rest in eternal peace!
02:55am, RIVERSIDE DISCO – BUN BABYLON SOUND & DJ DENSEN
Definitely worth a detour on my way to the Roots Camp, the Riverside Disco is full of people, too. I arrive just in time to witness Bun Babylon Sound handing it over to DJ Densen, and both their selections and the disco's location at the river, surrounded by wooden art works and colorful illuminations, create a special vibe. They even installed a flamethrower on top of the stage to spice up certain boom songs. Fire!
3:24am, ROOTS CAMP – KUNTERBUNT SOUND & RISE UP SOUND
Last stop for the night: the Roots Camp. Reaching their new location is like falling into a warm embrace of sights and sounds, with a bonfire burning brightly, deep bass pumping and people moving to their inner beat. "No nations, no borders" the Kunterbunt MC says before it's Rise Up's turn to play, and the truth of this battle cry resonates - we would have been able to experience Luciano without border issues. Thank you for a wonderful Day 1, Reggae Jam!
SATURDAY, July 27th 2024
On my way to the festival area, I pass an elderly couple standing in front of their house on Bersenbrück's main street. The music is clearly audible from the distance, and when a loud motorbike drives by, accelerating, I remark "There is a lot going on in your quiet little town!" in passing. The gentleman laughs and replies "Oh, you know, we really enjoy this once a year. It is nice to have you here!". This is really the spirit all along, the whole community embracing this festival, welcoming its guests and participating in the happenings.
2:02pm, MAIN GREEN – BREAKFAST SHOW
Eagerly awaited by many festival goers, Ganjaman's breakfast show is a must to start the Saturday. Together with the Next Generation Family, he starts with some of his own songs before announcing a very special guest from Jamaica: Italee in the place! She performs one song and reißt die audience mit with her incredibly energetic performance. "We are the ones who should, who have to build bridges!" Ganjaman says when she has left the stage to big applause. "That's why I will be at the Sunday service in the Catholic church, on invitation of the pastor Jan Witte. You are also invited to participate, at 10:30am!" Behind him, tablets with food are brought to the edge of the stage by Sheriff, Jabbar and two girls, and, as part of their annual ritual, shared among the audience.
"Words can't describe how grateful I am to this man right here!" Ganjaman then says, pointing at Sheriff. "This is the only band show I have this year, and for him to create this space at Reggae Jam, it is really our way to build bridges!" He then continues to sing Manchmal and Nur Einmal and, spotting Australian singer Jah Tung in the crowd, asks him "Do you still wanna join us?" Of course he does, and during the next piece, he takes over from an artist called Dre JA who is another surprise addition to the set.
3:21pm, MAIN RED – BANDA SENDEROS
Palancing on Stage Red! Banda Senderos, a multi-cultural band from Essen, bring some Latin flavor to the festival. Singers Dan and Seba as well as Jo (sax) and Ohli (trumpet) run from left to right and back while Julian (drums), Dave (guitar), Jenso (trombone) and Pascal (bass) provide the beat, and the audience runs with them. Perfectly mixed by sound engineer and producer Alexander Werth, the group mixes German, English and Spanish in songs like Sonne In Die Stadt oder Siempre Presente, and their vibe catches.
Especially one group of dancing visitors catches my eye, all wearing green shirts. Asked why, they say that they are a kind of Ganjaman fanclub, inspired by one of the artist's songs about a "dancehall uniform" – the green shirts are theirs, and they say that it's the perfect festival outfit as they will see each other from far. "We breathe, we move!" they say before leaving, and D Flame brings the attention back to the other stage.
3:49pm, MAIN GREEN – D FLAME & IQULAH
"Reggaejam, are you ready for some real artistical roots reggae music?" D Flame addresses the audience, announcing IQulah Rastafari. The Reggae Ambassador came with a full band, and their set starts with a woman playing the double bass, creating a unique, almost sacred atmosphere. "You got to live it up, don't give it up!" IQulah says, returning to our motto quote in the intro (remember?), before diving into the next song with the elder musicians on drums, percussion and congas. The singer is active in several associations, is president of Chapter 17 of The Ethiopian World Federation even, and thus many of his songs treat related subjects, such as Ethiopia or Africa Is Calling. Give thanks for artists like him, letting us participate in his spiritual grounation!
4:55pm, BACKSTAGE CATERING & SARA LUGO
A big shout-out to the kitchen crew! They do an amazing job, preparing delicious food for both staff and artists, and the volunteers working at the counters are constantly smiling. After a short break, I enjoy the remaining set of Sara Lugo, who are playing Really Like You right now. Boom! She looks amazing in her dress and sounds amazing with her band.
5:21pm, MAIN GREEN – MIKE LOVE
This man tho! When I first read his name in the line-up, I knew that he'll be my festival highlight, but it is one thing to anticipate, and quite another to really be there, experiencing the moment. Mike Love is one of those few artists who can touch you on the deepest level, heart and mind and soul, and the goosebumps moment stretches to encompass his entire set. Accompanying himself with a loop station, he sounds like a full band when he delivers songs like Humble or Children Of The Heart from his new album Leaders. Even the way he plays his guitar is unusual, using it like a violin in one moment and like percussions in the next.
And then his words… going right to your heart, both in his lyrics and in his interactions with the audience, his messages are straight and clear. Leaders, for example is so simple but powerful that it touches people from all walks of life, many to the point of crying. Right now, he says "From the moment we are born, we are taught to blame others for the things that go wrong. But this doesn't help, so stop blaming others for your own issues. Do the work to let go of that and become enlightened. Shine that bright light you carry inside of you and start to lead by example." He then intones the truthful The Butterfly Remains, and while I could describe what that one is about, words completely fail me when it comes to the subsequent Permanent Holiday.
During the final verse "Take back the knowledge, take back the power, humanity don't let this be our final hour…", people in the audience are hanging on his lips, taking in every word, fists raised, ready for the revolution. When Mike leaves stage after roaring applause, everyone present immediately starts to shout "Zugabe!" ('encore'), loudly – the first time this happens on this weekend. But, alas, the timetable is strict and has to be kept, and Ganjaman apologetically draws the attention to the Red Stage, where Jamaram and Jahcoustix are ready to perform. A slight rain has started to fall, so colorful umbrellas pop up from everywhere and move to the beat of this Munich-based group, whose collaboration with singer Jahcoustix has been a success story so far (and is no exception here).
6:44pm, RIDDIM TENT – MIKE LOVE MEET & GREET
Still on a high from Mike Love's performance, I pass the merch stand to get the new album Leaders, in vinyl! Just in time, it turns out, as the very last copy is sitting on the counter. Seems many people were deeply impressed by this man, his voice, his music. He is now talking to those who came to see him at the Riddim Tent, where Ellen and Pete organize a daily Meet & Greet with some of the artists performing. The hugs received here (and the pictures taken) will be a cherished memory for many festival visitors, so thanks to Team Riddim and the participating artists!
7:08pm, BACK OF MAIN GREEN – REBELLION THE RECALLER
Rebellion The Recaller and his crew are about to enter the Green Stage, where the moderators currently announce the Gambian artist. Backed by the Peace Development Crew, he performs his new song Been Traveling, for instance, and also brings singers Jah Ringo and Uno Jahma on stage for their combination Kingston Elite. At the end of his set, the well-known intro of We Must Rebel starts my personal highlight. This tune was first released in 2004 (with Suns Of Light / The Inspired Ones), but it is still relevant today, so fists are up and hundreds sing along.
8:07pm, MAIN RED – ROUGHHOUSE & AKEEM GARISSON
Singing songs of love! Roughhouse and band (Micha on guitar, Tobi on keys, Aca on bass plus drums and two ladies on backing vocals) are taking it slow after a dynamic start into their set, and the musical vibe they bring blends well with the late afternoon/ early evening. He performs the fitting Nice Up Di Dance, one of his original songs, and then brings out Akeem Garrison, a young artist from Jamaica who has just released his new EP Trenchtown Original. When he has done his part, Roughhouse tells him to stay on, and together they sing Rastaman – a livication to all Rastafarians in the place!
8:35pm, MAIN GREEN – LOYAL FLAMES
House Of Riddim is back, this time playing with another Jamaican artist called Loyal Flames. I have heard is name on the Silly Walks riddim Brighter Days, of course, where he sings the powerful Break Free (which we hear live at the end of his set), but am not up to date with his more recent releases like Keep Focus. His performance is carried by the fantastic band, skillfully switching between the cover version Go Johnny and the artist's original songs. "Life is a journey, and the mission is love!" is the message we can take home from his set, and I am once again grateful that my journey has brought me here today.
9:47pm, MAIN RED – INTI & CHASKI
Rain has ceased, but the air is still wet and thick fog rises, creating an almost mystical atmosphere into which the next act drops like lightning: Inti & Chaski are here! The brothers play with members of their band Memoria and some new musicians, taking turns to perform songs from both their Cologne-based formation and their individual catalogues. They have a Ganja tune, too, during which they big up all the farmers, and although the "Legalize the herb!" battle cry has lost some of its verve due to the legalization in Germany, the crowd sings along happily.
10:15pm, MAIN GREEN – TEACHA DEE & DON TIPPA
Teach Dee puts us in a Reggae Mood the Rastafari Way, and to a backdrop of the Rockford Rock riddim brings out featured artist Don Tippa. The two artists harmonize well - the first time I've seen them perform together was at Gracy's Bash two weeks ago, but here the crowd is much bigger, and more responsive, too. The final song of their set is a cover of the Red Hot Chili Peppers song Otherside, and since many people know and sing along to this tune, the vibes are high.
11:58pm, MAIN RED – ETANA
"I see a lot of people from Kenya here today!", singer Etana says, pointing to the flags in the crowd. "I know you are going through a lot right now, but stay strong and don't be afraid to stand up for your rights!" she continues, alluding to the mass protests happening in the East African country right now. She then delivers her beautiful I Am Not Afraid as well as some other hits, currently finishing her set with a spicy Ska medley of Simmer Down, Monkey Man and Wings Of A Dove.
She also motivates the crowd to sing Happy Birthday for the 30th Reggae Jam Anniversary – and for Dotta Coppa, a visiting artist I meet backstage who tells me that it's his birthday today, too.
00:20am, MAIN GREEN – NKULEE DUBE
Big up to Sheriff for creating a line-up with so much woman power! From South Africa, Nkulee Dube is now on stage, a space she inhabited before. She represents proudly for women in general, shining in her colorful outfit, and tells us: "Women, you can change the world! You are powerful, never doubt that. You are queens!" Word! She proceeds to present a song called Love The Way (on the Honey Pot riddim), and suddenly Sheriff is on stage with her, waving the South African flag to big applause. "You know, today we celebrate 60 years of Lucky Dube!" Nkulee addresses the audience again, proceeding with a cover version of her late father that closes the show.
01:33am, MAIN RED – QUEEN IFRICA
Continuing the female stage program, the one and only Queen Ifrica now rocks the stage. Starting with a Nyabinghi intro, to me this is the best part of her show, as the air is ripe with excitement, the lights create a visual wonderland once more and when the Queen comes out, she looks royal in her cream-colored outfit. Her voice is not at its best, though, both because she seems to be battling a cold and some technical problems, and also the interaction with the band is a bit bumpy at times. The energy, however, comes across perfectly well in tracks such as What Is Life and Times Like These, and she introduces her daughter Tanzania Barrett aka Tanzie to us, who sings backing vocals and does one solo piece.
01:49am, MAIN GREEN – SILLY WALKS, JR. KENNA & LOYAL FLAMES
A novelty, the last live act for tonight is a soundsystem – Silly Walks from Hamburg! They start their set with classics such as 54-46 Is My Number and No No No to which all the party people sing along. Speculations have been buzzing all over the place as to who the announced special guest may be (names like Gentleman or Sizzla have been voiced), and now the moment of truth is there: "Introducing from Amsterdam: Jr. Kenna!" The young artist delivers several tracks, and after him, Loyal Flames is called on stage once more, singing Break Free with the track's originators.
03:14am, DANCEHALL TENT – DYNABLASTER
As today is the last night of Dancehall, a visit to the huge circus tent is a must. Upon arrival, Dynablaster has just taken over from Berlin's own Barney Millah and mash up the place. Earlier today, I met Blade, the technical director of the Reggae Jam's sound. He told me that he's been active in the scene himself for years, running sounds like Mystic Roots and Bass Station, and has been in charge for setting up the Dancehall Tent's soundsystem for 10 years now. Apparently, setting the sound right in a tent like this is a big challenge (something about sloping walls and rebounding sound), but in my ears, he perfectly mastered it, and the crowd is in the flow, too. A nice thing I notice is that a lot of whistles are around, both here and during the concerts – I missed that vibe fi real!
SUNDAY, July 28th
Brilliant blue skies herald the last festival day, as if the universe wants to make up for the missing sunshine so far. It feels a bit surreal that this is already the last festival day – time has a way to get compressed and just rush past with all these happenings, and all we can do is enjoy every minute of it.
1:25pm, MAIN RED – BOOMTOWN SHAKEDOWN
A double dozen! Founded 12 years ago, the 12 people on stage spread an infectious joy: Kasi on bass, Manu on drums, Vladimir on keys, Andreas and PU on guitar, Benji on sax and harmonica, Luci on alt sax, Lukas on trombone and Thomas on trumpet provide the musical bliss while singers Ede, Jasmin and Kira add the vocals. Their lyrics are fun too, talking about Di Ganja Gone in the one currently playing, and the subsequent Colors talks about we have all the colors inside of us, from the deepest black to the brightest hues. Accept the rainbow within!
2:30pm MAIN GREEN – VIDO JELASHE & FRIENDS
Backed by the House Of Riddim band, the substitute for Dr. Ring Ding is Vido Jelashe, originally from South Africa but now living in Berlin. Ganjaman announces him as one of the best voices in Germany, and indeed his performance is a pleasant one to follow. He invites three guests on stage with him (Commander Messaiah, Fitta Warri and Singing Gold), and even moderators Ganjaman and D Flame join in the fun with one song each. Session!
2:54pm MAIN RED – BLACK UHURU
"I love King Selassie!" No need to ask who is playing now: Black Uhuru! They are not complete, as singer Andrew Bees couldn't make it on time for this show and was replaced by Kash Ites, lead singer of the former UK band Ras Ites. Right from the start, the group presents legendary tracks such as Shine Eye Gyal, Plastic Smile and General Penitentiary, and those who came out this early (the band will be heading to another engagement after their slot here) are really enjoying themselves. The positive vibe turns into shock and disbelief, though, when singer Derrick "Duckie" Simpson verbally attacks Sheriff on stage, ranting about the festival artwork in harsh words and repeatedly saying "Black Uhuru need no filter!". Very unprofessional behavior!
3:49pm, MAIN GREEN – REGGAE JAM ALL STARS
The next slot is a surprise and swiftly turns into one of my festival highlights. Since Rik Jam and Dalwayne won't make it, their slot is spontaneously filled with artists that are here as visitors, many of whom have met and performed at Da Sandwichmaker's during the last few days. Thus, Akeem Garrison (from Jamaica), Jah Tung (from Australia) and Lenny Souljah (reggae inna Bayernman style!), give the audience their all, backed by the House Of Riddim band. Even Martin Zobel, a German artist who hasn't performed much during the last few years, appears on stage - family vibes! The most vibrant act, though, is Italee who, once called out by Ganjaman, rules di ting. She roars like the lioness she is, interacts both with the band and the audience (a woman in the first row shouts that she loves the singer's earrings, and Italee replies by saying she likes hers, too, so they simply swap them) and then calls Steffen Prase aka Da Sandwichmaker on stage, who celebrates 20 years of Moa Fire, singing a freestyle Happy Birthday that encompasses the festival as well. "We are here to celebrate 30 years of Reggae Jam! On behalf of my nation, I want to say THANK YOU Sheriff for all you have done for our music!"
4:30pm, BACKSTAGE CATERING – ORGA TEAM & JAH LIL
During lunch break, I sit on a table next to four men and a woman in dark blue uniform. Curious as I am, I ask them about their part in Reggae Jam, and it turns out I'm talking to shift supervisor Robert as well as Noa, Hogan, Amy and Patrick. There are 190 volunteers in total, Robert tells me, and his job is to arrange their working plans and stations that range from camp supervision to entrance controls. Volunteers have to work two shifts of six hours each, in turn they get free entry on all festival days and a camping spot at the VIP Camp. Get in touch if you consider becoming part of their team! In any case, their work is essential for a festival like this, and without them there would be chaos. Shout out to all the volunteers!
On Stage Red, Jah Lil and band deliver a stunning show. It is their first time at Reggae Jam, and they certainly stir some interest, so it's a good thing that those who want to meet him can do so at the Riddim Tent meet & greet likkle more.
5:52pm, MAIN GREEN – SAMORY I & BAND
He brings the sun out! Samory I was missed at SummerJam, but now he and his band of four have made it safe and sound to Europe. The group is in high spirits, smiling and skanking, and has stunning outfits too, navy green and black and gold. Their first track Outside (in the original, it's a combination with Lila Iké) is taken from the new album Strength, as is the subsequent Crown. "Give yourself a round of applause, Reggae Jam!" Samory I addresses the crowd, "You are a beautiful people!" He's so right, whenever you take a look around, happy faces and carefully arranged styles speak of the importance this gathering has for those attending. Closing his set with the extremely popular Rasta Nuh Gangsta, Samory waves a final goodbye and the moderators announce his compatriot…
6:07pm, MAIN RED – KHALIA
… Khalia! With Travis French (bass), Joel Whynn (drums), Aldaine Goodall (keys) and G-Sharp (guitar), she brought a talented group of musicians on the road, and together they use their slot well to bring across their music and vibe. One of the photographers tells me how simple it is to take some great shots of this performer compared to many others, as she doesn't move around too much and, once she takes a pose, she stays there long enough to allow cameras to adjust and focus. So much to learn by putting yourself in someone else's shoes!
7:15pm, MAIN GREEN – GUIDING STAR ORCHESTRA & KUMAR
Definitely another festival highlight right here! The Guiding Star Orchestra from Kopenhagen come with a massive set of 10 musicians on stage, starting a firework of sound with their original compositions. They bear telling names like Climbing Trees, Solid Rock, True To Jah and Firm In Adversity, amazing in their multi-layered brass harmonies, and the subsequent Upful Melody is my favorite. Right in front of me in the crowd, the members of Boomtown Shakedown are living it up, almost on their knees in awe. For me personally, the big Raging Fyah fan I am, these vibes even intensify when Kumar adds himself to the whole. Starting with Milk & Honey, he takes us through some of his older songs like Irie Vibe and Jah Glory, but also presents a new track called Bridges, released just last week. But nothing comes close to the emotional depth of experiencing Judgement Day in the crowd, under that big ole tree in the monastery yard with a circle of friends, all singing along with Kumar and that great Guiding Star Orchestra. Gold!
A big big shout-out to Morten McCoy (piano), Steven Jess Borth II (tenor sax & guitar), Malthe Kaptian (trumpet), Laurits Qwist Bilén (trombone), Tobias Elof (guitar), Jah Adam (drums), Thomas Lehotl (keys), Zigge Kruetzmann (bass), Jonas Yagoubi (percussion) and Justo Gambula (bass) as well as sound engineer Mikael Flensborg and Kumar, of course, for this musical massage!
8:43pm, MAIN RED – ROMAIN VIRGO
The year of the Virgo, it seems! This is the third time I get to witness Romain Virgo and his fantastic band this summer, but it doesn't get boring at all. This time, the show is opened by singers Tori Lattore and Janeel Mills, who are presenting their original composition Be Awakened and Holding Strong, respectively, before Romain himself comes out with You Must Be Mad. "To the Reggae Jam promoters, thank you for promoting peace and unity and reggae music!" he says before proceeding with the show with Mi Caan Sleep, and later brings out Loyal Flames again.
Halfway through his set, I remember my plan to visit the Dubplate Studio for the first time ever, which is located in the vicarage next door. City Lock Sound has set up their studio under the roof of the pastor's house, and I am in luck to find them there still after another long day of recording, ready for a short interview. Tommy Dollar, Ali Bling and Panama Mama (who is the new selectress of the sound from Berlin, who came with dance crew Honey Impact) represent for City Lock (founding member Fabi Benz is not present), and they tell me that they took over the studio from DJ Smart (Massaya Sound) in 2015. Every year, they get in touch with the soundgyals and -bwoys in their extensive network, offering to record dubplates of the artists who are on the festival line-up. Over this weekend, they had Jah Lil, Khalia, Loyal Flames, Kumar, and Rebellion The Recaller here with them, and since they are producing as well, we might hear some new releases soon whose seeds were planted right here!
9:28pm, MAIN GREEN – BLVK H3RO
This young artist has shown steady growth over the last years, working hard on his vocal skills and establishing himself as a brand and ganja ambassador: Blvk H3ro! He decided to work with backing tracks, live keys and percussion for this show, presenting songs like Live In Love, Mama and Original, and together with his engaging stage presence, this concept works out so well that several friends, asked for their highlight, mention him. Obviously there is an album in the making set to release next year, so watch out fi dat!
10:51pm, MAIN RED – BURNING SPEAR
THE highlight for many visitors I spoke to, Burning Spear fills the headliner position with ease and grace. Especially since Big Youth, the other veteran artist on the program, has dropped out from the line-up today, Winston Rodney represents for a whole roots reggae generation – and he is completely up for it. He is visibly enjoying the show, playing the congas during the extensive instrumental part of the songs (Zion Higher, for instance), repeatedly shouting "Talk to me, people!" until everybody present screams, loudly.
Due to streaming right issues, this is the only concert that will not be shown on the live stream, so all the people present here get an exclusive experience and all the video crew get a break from their busy schedule. Big up to Soundbwoy TV, big up to Andre, Ulrich, Claudia, Asha, Martin, Yanina and their team who make sure that the musical vibration of the festival is documented in appropriate visuals!
00:01am, MAIN RED – THE SHERIFF & THE MAYOR
When the last notes have faded, Sheriff addresses the visitors once more, thanking them for their patience, again explaining what happened and how much they have tried to bring Luciano and Big Youth here, to no avail. He also thanks all the crews who make this festival happen, and then passes the mic to Christian Klütsch, the mayor of Bersenbrück. "We are connected through our love of culture and our love of people!" he says, "We have to build bridges to each other, so when you come here, we want you to feel welcome! We are grateful that you came here, please come back!"
We will, Mr. Klütsch, we will! With the traditional brass band and the parade around the tree, this year's Reggae Jam has come to a close.
2:44am, DA SANDWICHMAKER
Well, not quite! While no loud music is allowed after midnight, an acoustic session is no problem, and that's what is happening at Da Sandwichmaker right now. Toké on guitar and mic, Cookie and Lenny on cajon, Potty on the other guitar, Italee on tambourine… the list goes on and their freestyle is the sweetest vibe. I just can't leave! A little while ago, Ganjaman joined the performers, and even Taiye Takina, Italee's daughter, performs two of her own songs and a beautiful cover version of Marley's Turn Your Lights Down Low.
Thank you, Team Reggae Jam, for this weekend, and Happy 30th Anniversary from the bottom of our hearts, filled to the brim with love and joy and music – here's to many many more‼!
