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/

 

Day Of The Girl 2024

War Child UK Announce Details Of Their Women In Music And Creative Industries Panel Day

As part of War Child UK’s Day Of The Girl campaign with YouTube Music, the specialist charity has today announced further details of their Women In Music And Creative Industries Panel Day. The event will take place at Google Digital Studios, Pancras Square, London 9th of October and aims to help inspire the next generation of female identifying leaders in the music and creative industries.

The Women In Music And Creative Industries Panel Day event is where some of the music industry’s brightest minds come together to discuss key issues affecting women while celebrating their incredible achievements. This year, highly acclaimed British pop artists and Day Of Yhe Girl alumni, Caity Baser will be the keynote interviewee.

Andrew Bird and Madison Cunningham (Josh Wool)

Andrew Bird & Madison Cunningham Reimagine Buckingham Nicks

Andrew Bird and Madison Cunningham have joined forces to announce a top-to-bottom cover album of the 1973 cult...

The Hillbilly Moon Explosion Have Our Love For Evermore in London

The Hillbilly Moon Explosion are one of those genre-crossing bands that magnetically attract attention wherever they...
Gaz Coombes @ BST Hyde Park 2024 (Louise Phillips)

Supergrass Announce 30th Anniversary Tour For Acclaimed Debut Album I Should Coco

Supergrass have today announced a series of UK tour dates, celebrating the 30th anniversary of their UK No.1,...
Venus Grrls @ Reading Festival 2024 (Nick Allan)

Definitely, Maybe The Night Of Our Lives – Sunday At Reading Festival 2024

After two days of great music, the last day had a lot to live up to. I started the day at the BBC Introducing Stage to mix things up. Daydreamers took to the stage with their youthful pop to a surprisingly large crowd. The light-hearted songs were very reminiscent of The 1975, with the charismatic frontman, powerful drums and bass lines, and the 80s-style guitar accompaniment. There was a good mixture of songs some of the crowd knew, and their new single which despite having a slower beat, was very well received. It is clear that this band are headed for good things as they were naturals on the stage and the crowd loved every second.

Albin Lee Meldau & Lissie Comp (Press)

Albin Lee Meldau Shares New English Language Version Of His Swedish Smash Josephine Featuring Lissie

An arena-headlining, multi-Platinum Top 10 artist across the Nordic countries, Albin Lee Meldau is edging towards reaching a similar level in the UK with a host of A and B-listed singles at Radio 2. This month sees him hit two landmark moments that will elevate his rise – the release of a new version of his homeland hit Josephine featuring Americana songwriter extraordinaire Lissie, and his new album Discomforts which follows on 27th September.

Sarah Klang (Fredrika Eriksson)

Sarah Klang Teams Up With Fruit Bats On New Single Last Forever

Having just played a sold-out headline date in London at Lafayette, Sweden’s Sarah Klang and acclaimed artist Fruit Bats now come together on Last Forever. A gentle combination of bluegrass fingerpicking guitar combined with headier pop melodies while Klang and Fruit Bats trade lead vocals on verses creates a country-tinged pop song and one of the few love songs on her upcoming album, details forthcoming.

Ben Goldsmith - The Start Of Something Beautiful (Press)

Ben Goldsmith Releases Highly Anticipated Sophomore Album The Start Of Something Beautiful

Singer-songwriter and multidimensional artist Ben Goldsmith has released his highly anticipated sophomore album The...

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This

Share Thing