Last weekend the
10th edition of the Montreal International Reggae Festival (MIRF)
attained new heights
of popularity with a sold out crowd on Saturday night;
and Friday and
Sunday selling 97% of the total site
capacity of 10,000 seats.
The weather was extraordinary, as were
the Friday night performances that included Morgan Heritage, making a remarkable return to the MIRF stage for the third
time. They performed all their greatest hits as well as extracts from their new
album, Here Come the Kings with a
dynamic set, despite the absence of Una Morgan, who fell ill after arriving in
Montreal. Montreal roots rocking, Inword and energetic DJ
Hawkeye had the honor
of starting this evening after
French Guyanese Chris Combette opened up with smooth and pristine Antillean
hinged reggae rifts.
Traditionally
known as dancehall night, Saturday featured some of the most relevant artists
of the current scene: Toronto’s Dahlia; Dancehall Diva Tifa; Mr Vegas - performing
his hits of the past fifteen years; Kes The Band - who brought out many of
Montreal’s Eastern Caribbean revelers; Shaggy in top form and the electrifying Beenie
Man. As mentioned by Howard "Stretch" Carr, MIRF emcee and host of West
Indian Riddims on CKUT 90 3 FM, MIRF attracted an extraordinary number of
visitors this year from as far as South America and the United Kingdom. CKUT
90.3 FM broadcasted live from the MIRF site for the entire Saturday evening and
again on Sunday, bringing its listeners two hours of MIRF including the Yellowman
set – during Bhum Bhum Tyme with hosts Pat Dillon-Moore and JD who were also
MIRF emcees.
Toronto’s Visionary and Montreal’s Jah Cutta and the Determination
Band opened up on Sunday with thrilling and well received
performances. Accompanied by the famous Sagittarius Band, the legendary DJ
Yellowman gave a lively set, setting a high bar for young sensation Serani and
singer Alaine. These opening acts warmed up the crowd in
the early evening and the atmosphere was then perfect for the downright magical
performance of Cocoa Tea.
Freddie McGregor and his Big Ship crew closed the 10th
edition of MIRF in fine style. Festival goers were roused once again, as soon
as Freddie McGregor’s band started playing their instrumental medley - joined
by the sweet voice of their veteran leader who performed his repertoire of
classic ska as well as songs from his recent album, Di Captain. The only downside this year was the cancellation of
Luciano’s scheduled appearance at MIRF following a visa problem that was beyond
the control of MIRF.
The MIRF team would like to thank its partners, sponsors and the media for this
edition of unprecedented success. See you next year!
Photo: Cocoa Tea performing Sunday night
