Video By Nyiko Baloyi (@Nyiko_EMagFirst on Twitter)
Written by Miehleketo Maluleke
Photography and Editing By Nyiko Baloyi (@Nyiko_EMagFirst on Twitter)
“PEOPLE OF THE SUN” believe “the best way to predict the
future is to EVENT it”. With that said, a day after the world was supposed to
“end”- PEOPLE OF THE SUN “EVENTED” “LUCIANO” live at the BASSLINE, but I don’t
think even they could have predicted the results of the “messenger” welcoming
us into a new age reggae style.
I can never stress enough about the amount of energy, unity
and love of reggae music I experienced when I got to BASSLINE. After a long
night and what seemed to be an endless day at work , I walked into a Sizzla
banger played by MYSTICAL EBONY on the ones and two’s-booty winding on the
dance floor-dreadlocks shaking insanely through the air-people’s feet off the
ground like they were in temporary levitation-and the sweet scent of a Rasta
filled environment.
Before LUCIANO could even set foot on the stage-we had FAYA
UMAN doing her thing warming up the crowd with riddims from her new album. It
always means fun for the massive when FAYA UMAN has a microphone in her hands.
Next on the list of performers we had TEBAN CEE who is one crazy man on the
stage-this brother will have your body moving in a rhythm even if you don’t
want to. And as far as bands go, TIDAL WAVES are a force to be reckoned with-
you just can’t help but admire the way these guys are possessed by their
instruments- they were making the guitars, drums and keyboard speak a language
everybody seemed to understand and agree with.
SHEPHARD STULLA kept things running as our MC for the night
hyping up the masses for the likes of DJ PEPE –COPPASHOT-GIGGZ and KAGZ as they
jammed those mood tunes on the decks keeping the people excited and on their
feet in musical ecstasy before the grand finale. While some people were on the
floor anticipating LUCIANO-some were backstage watching LUCIANO performing his
meditation which included breathing exercises-stretching-jumping up and down in
preparation for what would be a blazing performance.
Then
it happened-what everybody had gathered at BASSLINE to see-what PEOPLE OF THE
SUN had “EVENTED”. LUCIANO stepped on stage. I think the right words to describe
that moment are “SOMETHING ELSE”. The man has an out of space singing voice
which puts him amongst the greats. HE gave us songs like “give praise to
rastsfari” and “it’s me again jah”. And what is a reggae concert without a
tribute to BOB MARLEY which “the messenger” did with his voice and his acoustic
guitar- giving the band a short break-LUCIANO gave us his version of
“redemption song”- needless to say he did it justice and more. For a second
there I could have sworn the crowd was suspended in what seemed to be a
“perfect moment”. You can’t take anything away from LUCIANO with his undeniable
talent-the way he dominates his craft-the energy he gives out on stage-how he
runs and jumps around in a dance unique to himself-interacts with his
listeners-and the love he has for what he does.
The man is majestic and it’s bona fide in his whole being as
well as his music and his message. LUCIANO has a simple message-his message is
“LOVE” and “UNITY”- not just among the African people but among the human race
as a whole. And that’s what he aims to teach through his art. It’s safe to say
anyone who has witnessed this icon on stage has come out with a little more
“LOVE” and “UNITY” from the “MESSENGER”. I don’t know about my EMAGAZINE FIRST colleague
but this was the best night of my 2012 and I’m sure a lot of people share my
sentiments.
LARGE UP “PEOPLE OF THE SUN PRODUCTIONS” for “EVENTING” yet
another crazy night in newtown. Big up all the massive who came to share the
experience. ONE LOVE TO ALL ME REGGAE LOVERS AROUND THE GLOBE!!!BIG UP
EMAGAZINE FIRST-its first class all the way!
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