quality music and a world-class showcase that would reaffirm its place as the Greatest Reggae Show on Earth. Like they did last Friday, local acts stamped their class on what is arguably the biggest live event platform in the region.

Fantan Mojah, Bugle, Pressure Buss Pipe, I Wayne, Tarrus Riley, Lila Iké, and Protoje all turned in powerful performances to prove yet again that Jamaica’s talent pool runs deep. International R&B star Toni Braxton may have been the biggest crowd-puller as patrons jumped at the opportunity to see the Breathe Again singer live, but it was our home-grown stars that shone brightest.

The night started with reggae veteran Fantan Mojah serving up a slew of hits. The singer indicated difficulty fitting as many as tracks as he would have hope into his allotted 20 minutes. But before he was given the signal to cut his set short he used his time to introduce an up-and-coming singer to the world. In what was undoubtedly one of the highlights on Festival Night Two, 12-year-old Emma ignited the crowd with her original song, God Is Real. Her maturity and stage presence wowed the audience, who rewarded her efforts with a resounding round of applause.

The night only got better from there with Pressure Busspipe serving up a delightful musical treat of his own. Performing songs such as Love and Affection, Be Free, Bless My Soul, and Jah Love, the singer packed a powerful punch to usher in another reggae dynamo, I Wayne.

Delivering what was perhaps the best set at this year’s festival, I Wayne unleashed a fire on Catherine Hall that would only be quenched by cheers of approval from the audience. In true I Wayne fashion, the singer used smooth vocals to serve up valuable lessons. Voicing his disappointment with Jamaicans’ continued indulgence in acts such as skin-bleaching, domestic abuse and oral sex, I Wayne encouraged the crowd to maintain morals as the country’s future depends on the lessons passed down through time. (Jamaica Observer/ Karl Mclarty)