Sunsplash #12, 1989 [Author's note. The following was originally published in The Beat magazine following my first trip to Jamaica in the summer of1989, and of course, my first experience of Sunsplash in all its glory. It was written on an old Royal typewriter as the concept of computer illiteracy was still in the future. As I read this over, this last month of the year 2001, I relived my excitement and gloried in my naivetŽ'. I'm submitting it here, in the unedited form, to preserve what it was like for me "way back then" and trust it will rekindle "first time" memories for us all, no matter the where or when. Papa Pilgrim, Reggae Ambassadors Worldwide, Salt Lake City, Utah. 12/2/01] Sunsplash '89 Blessed by cool, dry starry nights and unhampered by a psychic's predictions that Sunsplash '89 would sink into the sea, the twelfth annual Reggae Sunsplash presented some of the best the Reggae industry had to offer. Despite early uncertainty as to the venue, the Bob Marley Memorial Center in Montego Bay, Jamaica was once again the sire for six days and nights of Reggae at its finest. Unmindful of the advice of 'Splash veterans, I attempted attending all six nights and unaware of the benefits of having a press pass, I spent most of my time out front among the thousands who traveled from the four corners to include this annual Reggae festival as part of their vacations. Without going out of my way, I met folks from Italy, Sweden, Germany, Japan and Korea as well as citizens from almost every Caribbean nation. Wednesday night emcee Francois St. Juste stated it best when he told the audience to turn around and say hello to the person behind them for "chances are they are from another part of the world." Monday: Night One For the second year, Monday night was finals night for Synergy's Sound System Clash. Featuring four of Jamaica's leading sound systems, Metro Media, Inner City, Spinners Choice and Electro Force the music was upbeat and loud. This final round, a result of an all-island double elimination type tournament, lasted about eight hours entertaining a crowd of about 30,000. Team, or systems, were judged on the quality of the music and the skills of the selectors as well as the quality and appropriate use of their equipment. The fans, mostly Montegonians, clearly favored Electro Force but it was Inner City with 14,800 watts of power that captured the highly prized Red Label Wine All Island trophy. Electro Force, as runner ups received the Jack Ruby trophy for turning in the best rub-a-dub set. Both trophies were presented by Synergy director Ronnie Burke. Tuesday: Night Two Beach Party night was held in the outer circle of the Marley Center and featured both the up-and-comers and the well-recognized. Unaware that starting time was set for 5 P.M. I arrived about 7:30 just in time for the start of the show which had been delayed because of a light drizzle. Back-up bands for the night were 6th Revelation, Sweat and Unique Vision. An all female trio, Honey & Spice (Violet Kerr, Bobbett Edwards and Doreen Thomas) turned in a credible performance which featured two Tracy Chapman covers and a nice rendition of "He's A Legend," a tribute to the late Bob Marley. However, it was Jennifer Lara with her rendition of "Feel Like Jumping" which got the crowd on their feet with not a still foot to be seen. Next up was newcomer Zylan who, stating "I don't imitate," sang mostly original material from his debut album. Set changes were minimal and fast and the entertainment was ably emceed by Norma Brown. Shirley McLean highlighted her all too short set with her new hit single "Nuh Scrub No Floor." Other Beach Party standouts were Higgs and Twins (Marcia, Paulette and Pauline), the duo of Ossie D. and Stevie G. and the Studs Band who turned in a master version of Major Mackerel's "Free Mandela" played on the "Sorry" Tracy Chapman rhythm. Japanese DJ Ranking Taxi, making his third Sunsplash appearance, enticed the crowd to "Let's go crazy" as he broke into a fast paced number in Japanese which did not deter the crowd from "going crazy" even if most could not understand the lyrics. At 3:30 in the morning, before a crowd of about 6,000 veteran songster Ernie Smith took the stage and began what he hopes is the start of a come back. In a set featuring both old and new material he showed he still has both the charm and the voice to do just that. Wednesday: Night Three Emceed by Francois St. Juste and starting on time, Oldies Night, the traditional "first night" of Sunsplash was held in the main area of the Marley Center and was dedicated to the memory of King Tubby and Jack Ruby. The lineup read like a Who's Who of Reggae's greatest. Featured artists were the Abysinnians (of "Satta Amasagana" fame), Culture led by Joe Hill, Delroy Wilson, Horace Andy, Wadada, Justin Hines and the Dominoes, former Skatalite trombonist Rico Rodriques, The Might Diamonds and the ever popular Sugar Minott who was freshly returned from a three city tour of Japan. Also featured were relative newcomers Donovan and the sweet harmonies of Foundation. My notes for this night are inadequate to describe individual performances because I, like most of the other somewhat older fans present, was caught up in the awesomeness of so many great stars in such a short period of time. For me Wednesday was the personification of what Reggae Sunsplash is all about: A year's worth of concerts in one night. A total eclipse of the moon went almost unnoticed and when I left in the early hours of Thursday morning I felt refreshed and energized and full of "roots and culture." Thursday: Night Four DJ Night began with traffic jams and long ticket lines. This is the night that Jamaicans save up for, often holding back on their rent or house payments in order to afford the JA$60 (about US$12) admission price. This is Dancehall Night! While the local press estimated 60,000 people in attendance I think the Synergy estimates of 23-25,000 are more accurate. Synergy felt the relatively low attendance (compared to some 45,000 last year) was due in part to The Star (a Jamaican daily newspaper) headlining that a local "psychic predicts 'Spash disaster" and going on to elaborate that Sunsplash would sink into the sea. Well 'Splash did not sink-it rocked-all night long. Preceded by a natural light show from distant thunderstorms the show began on time with acting emcee Delroy Morrison filling for the tardy Bagga Brown. Featuring some twenty-one acts and backup bands the dancehall rhythms did not cease until shortly after 8 AM Friday morning. Backing band Kotch opened the show and the first performer was the very popular Japanese DJ Nahki who led the wildly cheering crowd through on encore. Wandering through the crowd I missed performances by Sister Charmaine and Lady G but managed to be stage front to witness and impressive set by General Trees assisted by his nine year old daughter Kareen. Not being able to endure the crowds or the repetitive dancehall rhythms and not being adequately rested from the night before, I gave up about midnight as thousands were still pouring through the gates. Relying on newspaper reports and personal inquiries I sense that the most popular DJ is Papa San although it was Tiger who closed the show leaving the crowd begging for more. Along with Papa San and Tiger commanding performances were also turned in by Admirals Bailey and Tibet, Lieutenant Stitchie, Lady G, Ninja Man, Pinchers and Sanchez. The back up bands Sagittarius and The Riddim Kings both turned in noteworthy performances. Friday: Night Five Emceed by Jamaica's most popular radio DJ Barry G, Friday night, hailed as Singers Night, was subtitled Adult Night in reference to an audience noticeable older than the youthful attendees at Dancehall Night. The entertainment began about 9:30 PM with Lloyd Parks and We the People backing a mature Nadine Sutherland. She was followed by Ken Boothe who had the full cooperation of the audience when he asked them to sing along with him as he went into a medley of favorites including "Freedom Street" and "Puppet On A String." Next up was Jamaica-born Miami favorite Bigga who turned in a very fine set highlighted by his hit single "Rub A Dub Dance." I guess I was surprised as most to see former Wailer Al Anderson as part of Bigga's backup crew. In speaking with Al the following day he shared with me that he left the Wailers "with no regrets" and very much enjoys what he is doing in these time. Following Bigga Third World took the stage and played the first lengthy (1 1/2 hours) set of the evening. Though they highlighted material from their newest album "Serious Business" they also played many of their classic tunes such as "96 Degrees." This was the fourth time I had seen Third World on stage and they were still as fresh and exciting as when I first saw them. I was pleased to note that Third World is as popular in Jamaica as they are in this country. J. C. Lodge, Frankie Paul and newcomer Trevor Sparks all turned in sterling performances but it was the Cool Ruler Gregory Isaacs when next had my undivided attention. In spite of his recent tribulations Gregory performed masterfully and showed that he rightly deserved the respect and praise of those out front. By this time, about 8 AM, with the sun enticing me to sleep, and much to my disappointment, missed the grand finale headed by Dennis Brown. Joining Dennis on stage were Donovan, Sugar Minott, Gregory Isaacs, Tabby Diamond, Lloyd Parks, and, surprisingly, Maxi Priest. Missing such a stellar finale was the price I paid in trying to attend every night all night long. I'll leave that to the youth for future "Splashes. Saturday: Night Six Billed as International Night the evening started on time to the familiar "Yes Indeed" of emcee Tommy Cowan. Backed by Sagittarius, Marcia Griffiths was the first act and she took the stage in both a regal and humble fashion. Clearly a crown favorite, this former member of the I Three, performed both her classics and newer material from her latest album "Marcia." Joining her on stage for "Electric Boogie" were about a dozen dancers whom she introduced as the Washington D.C. Posse. The dancers, ages 12 through 37, went into a well-choreographed, original number entitled "The Electric Slide." Spokesperson for the dancers, Tyna Andrews, explained that the group came together accidentally in Washington, and it was by chance they were spotted in Jamaica and invited to join Marcia on stage. Half Pint followed Marcia and had maximum crowd participation when he went into his ever-popular "Greetings." Next up the Melody Makers led by a fully locksed Ziggy Marley. This was their first Jamaican appearance as adults and they were deeply and heartfeltly appreciated by the audience which included Mother Rita and Grandmother Cedella. I felt as if history were being made (or repeated) as I noticed more than one tear-filled eye among the watchers. Interrupting their world tour in support of their newest album "One Bright Day" these Grammy Award winners are slated for a two day performance in Sierra Leone, West Africa in early November. Next Shinehead, backed by the A Team band, sang, whistled and rapped his way across stage to the loud appreciation of the audience. Steel Pulse did what Steel Pulse does best-they entertained. No surprises, no gimmicks, just straight forward, quality entertainment. At 7:30 Sunday morning Mutabaruka took the stage. The fatigue I felt from trying always be there vanished and I, like I imagine others are the first time they experience Muta, was enthralled by this masterful and majestic dub poet. He delivered his poems and social diatribes against "the system" in a friendly, angry style questioning custom officials as to why white travelers clear customs so easily while people of color, especially locksmen, are subjected to skin searches and other indignities. He further slammed our government for assisting the Jamaican government in a ganja eradication campaign while seemingly introducing cocaine in his country. Following Muta and winding up the twelfth annual Sunsplash were three of Jamaica's leading DJS, Peter Metro, Brigadier Jerry and lastly, Charlie Chaplin. Having had my fill of Dancehall Thursday I left early thus missing what I later learned were truly impressing performances by all three of the DJs. Next year, according to Synergy officials, Sunsplash 13 will again be held at the Marley Center and negotiations are underway to have UB40, Maxi Priest and U2 perform. Further negotiations are afoot to purchase an 18 acre site thus insuring Sunsplash a permanent home in Montego Bay. Lastly, I want to extend thanks and appreciation to all of those who helped this novice 'Splasher survive all six days especially M. Peggy Quatro of The Reggae Report, Amy "Night Nurse" Wachtel of Reggae Route and Mango Records, Kathy Todd and Leslie Singer of Houston's Cool Runnings and photographers Jan and Bob Salzman. Nuff respect! [Last note: Papa Pilgrim, founder of Reggae Ambassadors Worldwide, recently "retired" after 15 years hosting Nite Roots as a volunteer with KRCL, Listener Supported Community Radio in Salt Lake City, Utah]