For The Culture: A Look Back to The Future

Culture has been a topic of heated discussion perhaps since the dawn of time, but over the last decade or so the debate has bubbled to a boil. This, among other reasons, makes it an adequate title for what has become an annual tradition of one of Kingston’s most anticipated live shows of the year.

Hope Gardens has become home to Protoje and the Indigg Collective’s yearly celebration of culture. The turnout has grown exponentially each year, and this year is the biggest yet. So one might ask, what can motivate a crowd as stern as the Kingston massive, to turn out in droves? Besides an astounding opening act like Sevana the Siren, and a main act like the iconic Protoje and the Indiggnation, I dare say the culture can. Now, Culture, is typically defined as an amalgamation of the customs and traditions of a people throughout time. For those of us that did any of form of social studies, we were told something like “the way of life of a people”, but this usually gives us a very vague impression. What transpired this past weekend at Hope Gardens, was much more colorful and layered. Not only is there a tradition of camaraderie which sees Diggy inviting and making a platform for upcoming staples in the culture, but there is also a ongoing discussion about where we are headed as a unit, as a nation, which converges at the event. This discussion is always taking place, face to face, over the phone, on twitter and Instagram and the very artists performing at these shows, are engaging the discussion in real time. Whether it is through tweets, images, or even actual music. Protoje demonstrates his reverence toward his social responsibility at the highest level, by not only creating the platform and engaging the discussion but also bringing a somewhat uncomfortable topic to the fore, with his latest and extremely poignant single, Blood Money.

 

 

An eight o clock start to the event, saw patrons pouring in from as early as such time. With musical stylings from roots selector Yaadcore to hold the crowd and get them ready for the opening act. By the time Sevana graced the stage, the audience was full and attentive. A curated set from the song bird featured such favorites as “Carry You” “Bit Too Shy” and more. Sevana tantalized the crowd thoroughly and did an excellent job paving the way.

 

 

By the time Protoje hit the stage, fans knew what to expect, a masterful end to a night full of good vibe. Diggy started off with some foundation records such as “Rasta Love” with supplemented vocals from Indiggnation’s multitalented guitarist Zuggu. The set was especially diverse as he visited earlier songs such as “Protection” featuring Mortimer, “Sudden Flight” which saw Jesse Royal and Sevana joining in the performance more.

One of the major highlights of the night was during a period where Protoje opened the stage inviting upcoming talents within the industry such as Lila Ike, Wayne J, Runkus and a slew of others.

Ending on a somewhat solemn note, what was otherwise a joyous celebration was called to an end by the authorities at the very early stroke of midnight. What better track to end on, than the most recent and social critical Blood Money.

All in all, a very wholesome experience was had, between the music, the food, the merch, the people and the vibe, there was something present for everyone.