The event “Mighty Crown Reggae 4 Japan” benefit concert was for all accounts a great success, the sentiment of every single artist we spoke to was that Japan is not only important to Reggae but vital to the industry, and that the love showed to the culture was for once able to be returned.

Junior “Gong” Marley, Freddie Mc Gregor, Tarrus Riley, Maxie Priest, Capleton, Alaine, Chino & Stephen, Tanya Stephens, Mr.Vegas, Gramps & Peter Morgan, Gyptian, Duane Stephenson and Capleton all gave the fans what they had been waiting for, thrilled the crowd with their hits and had them singing to the top of their lungs, with extra sweet surprises such as Beniton, icon Shabba Ranks, Shaggy and Hip Hop artist “Nas”.

As previously mentioned I was disappointed at Junior Gong Marley after being one of 5 media being chosen to interview him, we were then told that he changed his mind, not a good look when you are there for a benefit concert, same goes for Capleton and Tarrus Riley, but thank God for all the others that gave their time and voice to say a few words.

Since I was confined to the media room, I witnessed all performances via big screen, there were several issues with sound and lighting but I was able to enjoy them none the less. I was very surprised by some of the artists that I have come to love on stage, they seemed tired and lacked enthusiasm, but since I have seen what they can do before, I’ll give it a past and may blame it on “Just one of those days”.

And then they were the performances that made me start dancing around like Gramps Morgan who gave me chills with me fav “Wash Away Tears”, Mr.Vegas who “Blessed” and brought the crowd to Church, Capleton who left me breathless and Tarrus with his smooth voice. Maxi Priest was definitely a crowd pleaser, Shabba Ranks…well do I really need to say it?

Irish and Chin and Mighty Crown pulled off a great night and although it was a benefit for a tragedy, the love, happiness and smiles were in abundance, mmmm, I wonder if they can make this a yearly thing?

side note* while backstage running my mouth, security started to push us aside and act a fool, I honest to God thought that President Obama was arriving…it was Hip Hop artist “Nas”, caught a quick and fuzzy glimpse….