One Love Reggae Concert 2002

Not even terrestrial rainfall was not enough to dampen the sprits of the enthusiastic crowd that turned out at the Hammerstein Ballroom in Manhattan last Thursday to see stars Toots, Tanto Metro & Devonte, Luciano and Tony Rebel set the night to music.

Cultural dj Tony Rebel, coming off a strong New York performance earlier this year commanded the attention of his faithful followers with powerfully tracks like “Hypocrites,” “Fresh Vegetable,” “Sweet Jamaica,” “Chatty Chatty Mouth,” and “Know Jah.” After charming the crowd for well over thirty minutes he segued into his smash hit “Just Friends” which garnered his biggest ovation. He climaxed a splendid set by inviting singer Queen Africa to join him on stage. She warming the crowd with a few numbers including “Just Me Brethren” – an answer to Rebel’s “Just Friend.”

Tanto Metro & Devonte, arguably the hottest dancehall duo delivered a performance that was one of the most inspiring of the evening. They had the crowd up in arms with songs like “Everyone Falls in Love” “Suzie” and “Give It To Her.” Tanto especially was in good nick and with Devonte in toe, reeked havoc with their verbal antics - the highlight of which was Tanto’s imitation of djs Bounty Killer and Buju Banton.

Luciano's New York performances are always eagerly anticipated. This time out he got off to a slow start but gradually came into his own, igniting the gathering with cart wheel flips and old staples like “ Ulterior Motive,” “Sweep Over My Soul” “It’s Me Again Jah” and “One Way Ticket.”

At 10:40pm living legend Toots responded to the challenge of bringing the curtain down on the One Love Reggae concert with a litany of hit songs including “Pressure Drop,” “Pomp & Pride,” “Sitting In The Morning Sun” and “Sweet & Dandy.” It was a night when the stars were out but Toots clearly was the brightest of them all and members of the audience showed their approval by dancing and singing along with him. “Bam Bam” his 1966 Festival Song was well received, so too was “Country Road.” By the time he lifted “Money Man” - the lyrics and melody of which are featured in the Capital One TV commercial - the cup came runneth over. The highlight of the night however was Luciano’s magical combination with Toots on “Country Road” and Tanto Metro playful exchange with Toots on “54-46 That’s My Number.”

Reggae rules the world

Text: Anthony Turner
Photos: Ajamu