March 6, 2009 – Miami, FL
The 16th Annual Caribbean Reggae Fest Honors
Mother B’s Memory and Contribution
Grandsons Stephen,
Damian, Ky-mani & Julian Entertain the Miami Massive
Review & Photos by M. Peggy Quattro
 Damian Marley
Bayfront Park was a beautiful setting,
complete with Biscayne Bay and trademark palm
trees. The grassy area was ringed with
dozens of booths offering international food and drink, arts and crafts. Blankets and chairs were everywhere, and the
sweet smell of Jah’s herb was everywhere. The crowd swelled
as the day went on and everyone enjoyed the massive sounds of DJs Jah Steam and
Gully Banks. Not only did they spin just
the right variety of music but they entertained the revelers as well. A real nice touch.
 Ky-mani Marley
Local acts JahFe,
Jean P Jam, and Finley Quaye
entertained throughout the afternoon to an appreciative crowd. But when international dancehall sensation
Collie Buddz hit the stage, a roar went up and the front of the stage filled
with screaming girls and nodding guys. The
sensational New Kingston Band backed his powerful set. Following a set change, Jamaica’s
conscious DJ Capleton sprung into
action, dancing, chanting, and dropping a conscious vibe on the captivated
crowd. Dressed head to foot in white
with ites, green, and gold trim, Capleton
delivered an energetic set.
Up next, and
performing at his first Miami Marley/Caribbean Fest was the Gargamel himself,
Buju Banton. The Dancehall icon brought
his one-of-a-kind show and tore the place up!
Band, singers, presence – Buju stole the show. With hit after hit, moving from Dancehall to
Lover’s Rock, singing, preaching, smiling, serious, he had the crowd dancing
and cheering for more.  Stephen, Damian & Julian
First up was Ky-mani,
the rebel rouser with an unarguable control of the stage. Pacing
like a lion from one side of the stage to the other, poised on the edge to be
closer to the people, Ky-mani’s rugged vocals cut a distinct likeness to his
famous father. The collaboration with Jamaica’s
rocker songstress Tessane Chin was well received and she and Ky-mani added a
bit of spice to the evening’s events.
When the famous flag bearers appeared, a roar soared to the starless
sky.
 Julian Marley
Well run and well executed,
the 16th Annual Caribbean Fest was once again a success – largely due to
the attendance and number of cans of food received, and the quality of the
performances. Produced
by Bob Marley Movement of Jah People,
sponsors included Rum Bum, 103.5 FM – the Beat, Nine Mile, Ghetto Youths, Mama
Marley, Farm Share, Jamrock Magazine, MY33, CBS4, I&I Clothing, BigUp
Radio, Hip Hop Weekly, theflyer.com, whata-gwan.com, and partyspree.com.
 Buju Banton and the cameraman
 Collie Buddz
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