Live: Damian Marley @ Somerset House

Damian Marley (nosa malcolm)

Damian Marley (nosa malcolm)

Summer 2017 has brought the heat and American Express have brought their Summer Series to Somerset House with another diverse line-up of artists. It’s the end of the week, the sun is beaming, there’s a warm breeze and reggae-riddims are bubbling, music lovers couldn’t have wished for more.

David Rodigan (nosa malcolm)

David Rodigan (nosa malcolm)

Dancehall and reggae DJ David Rodigan delivered classic, smooth punchy roots reggae, kicking-off a spectacular night of music. As the sun continued to shine, the crowd continued to arrive. The reggae vibes filled the air, echoing through the majestic courtyard.

Audience members reminisced and shook-a-foot to the best selection of classic tunes. Rodigan showed his style of showmanship on stage moving away from his decks and encouraging them to embrace the music with tunes like Rastafari Anthem sending the crowd crazy.

Closing his performance with a personal interlude speaking on the history of his rare and exclusive 1975 Bob Marley dubplate (especially recorded tracks with vocals that mention the DJ by name) Kinky Reggae. A special touch to end the evening, linking tonight’s show to a time when Bob lived in London after fleeing his motherland with fears of being assassinated.

Black Am I (nosa malcolm)

Black Am I (nosa malcolm)

A brief performance came from conscious lyricist and singer Black Am I, of the Ghetto Youth Camp. The self-titled track Black Am I and the classic sounds of Living Dread, nicely satisfied the crowd’s anticipation of the ‘Junior Gong’s arrival.

Damian Marley (nosa malcolm)

Damian Marley (nosa malcolm)

Shortly after Damian ‘Junior Gong’ Marley entered the stage. Locks flowing, with head held high to the heavy drum beats of Skrillex‘s 2012 track Make It Bun Dem, hitting with high energy from the start. These are exciting times for reggae music and with just two weeks until the release of Damian Marley’s latest studio album Stony Hill, he played some of his new material including Medication which is dedicated to his love of a flower and highlights the criminalisation of its users, giving us a taste of things to come.

Damian Marley (nosa malcolm)

Damian Marley (nosa malcolm)

Packed with a vast selection of tunes from his 2005 Welcome To Jamrock LP and including tracks from Distance Relatives, the 2010 collaboration with rap legend Nas, Damian Marley left no room for disappointment. The island rhythms rang-out with the sounds of Punky Reggae Party and Road To Zion, flexing against the contrast of this landmark setting. Also included were covers of his father’s classics Could this be love and I wanna love you.

Damian Marley (nosa malcolm)

Damian Marley (nosa malcolm)

Being in the presence of reggae-royalty brings a special-high to any music lover. Enhanced by social commentary and songs of protest, Damian Marley’s energy had this sell-out show singing-out for more, with a message of love and togetherness.

Damian Marley (nosa malcolm)

Damian Marley (nosa malcolm)

Keeping their hands held high, lighters or phones shining bright into the summer nights sky the crowd chanted in unison ‘Jamaica Jamaica’ as the familiar bassline of Welcome To Jamrock filled the area, bringing one of many highlights to end the show. A stand-out performance from the ‘Junior Gong’ , who showed his fans much love whilst creating lasting memories. And one last cry from a man holding a cultures pride, ‘Jah Rastafari’.

Nosa Malcolm was at Summer Series at Somerset House for Damian Marley on 7th July 2017

https://rockshotmagazine.com/25651/live-nubiyan-twist-islington-assembly-hall/

 

Charli XCX @ Glastonbury Festival (Kalpesh Patel)

Charli XCX Joins LIDO Festival Lineup With Curated Festival ‘Party Girl’

Charli XCX is coming to London in 2025 and she’s curating her own festival, Party Girl. A massive line-up, personally chosen by the Brat star, will perform in Victoria Park on Saturday 14 June. Guest stars on the day will include Brat collaborators 070 Shake, A. G. Cook, Bladee, Kelly Lee Owens, The Dare and The Japanese House, with many more still to come.

Vince Freeman (Press)

Vince Freeman Shares New Version Of ‘Real Love’ Featuring The London Community Gospel Choir

They say that your debut album is the culmination of your life experiences until that point, and that’s especially...
James Arthur (Edward Cooke)

James Arthur Shares New Single ‘ADHD’

Following the immense success of his latest album Bitter Sweet Love, multi-Platinum artist James Arthur has dropped his highly anticipated new single, ADHD. The track marks a deeply personal and introspective moment for the Middlesbrough-born singer-songwriter, as he explores themes of self-acceptance, love, and vulnerability.

Daddy Long Legs brought their Rock & Roll Revival to Bush Hall

Daddy Long Legs rock & roll revival took off at Bush Hall with The Speedways in support.

Tiny Habits @ Koko (Kalpesh Patel)

Tiny Habits Team Up With Lizzy McAlpine New Single ‘For Sale Sign’

Viral indie harmony trio Tiny Habits have released their new song, For Sale Sign, featuring Lizzy McAlpine. The track is the third song they’ve recorded together since Tiny Habits performed with Lizzy for her Tiny Desk concert in 2022 and follows the Habits’ feature on Lizzy’s song earlier this summer, Pushing It Down And Praying, and their feature together on JP Saxe’s song Everything Ends.

Andrew Cushin (Press)

Andrew Cushin Announces Sophomore LP ‘Love Is For Everyone’ – Dropping May 2025

Championed by Noel Gallagher, Pete Doherty, Sam Fender and Louis Tomlinson, Andrew Cushin lived up to the hype with...
Palaye Royale @ Wembley Arena (Louise Phillips)

Palaye Royale Bring Death, Glory, Fire And Musical Mastery To London’s OVO Arena Wembley

As the lights dimmed and fans descended into a state of utter hysteria, flames burst into the air and Palaye Royale...
Chelsea Wolfe @ KOKO (Daniel Caceiro)

An Unforgettable Evening In Camden With Chelsea Wolfe At KOKO

Chelsea Wolfe returned to London for a sold-out show at KOKO in Camden. The venue was packed with fans of all ages and...

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This

Share Thing