Experience the Vibrant Rhythms of ‘Jam in France’: A Memorable Reggae Night at the French Embassy!

Dancehall legend Yellowman lit up the stage last Thursday at ‘Jam in France, A Reggae Night’ held at the French Embassy in St Andrew. Despite his years, he moves with a lively energy that impresses even younger performers, showcasing both his physical fitness and his iconic style.

As the main performer of the night, Yellowman followed a lineup that included French reggae artist David Cairol and his band. When the clock struck 11:12 p.m., Yellowman, dressed head to toe in Nike, confidently declared his unique place in the music scene, stating, “One general inna di yard… one Yellowman inna di world,” hinting at ongoing debates about who truly reigns as the King of Dancehall.

He entertained the crowd with classic hits like Come Back Darling and Blueberry Hill, while expertly engaging with his audience. At one point, he quizzed them, “What’s my name?” to which they joyfully responded, “King Yellowman!” He humorously introduced himself as “Tony Montana,” nodding to the character from the classic movie Scarface. The audience loved his playful self-reference, adding to the evening’s fun.

In an interview after his performance, Yellowman spoke passionately about the significance of reggae music. “Reggae is the music that makes the world know about Jamaica,” he shared. He emphasized the value of the different genres Jamaica offers, including ska, rocksteady, and dancehall, stating, “Reggae is worth more than gold or silver. This music has the power to inspire people all over the world.”

The festivities kicked off before 8 p.m. with St Jago High School students performing an original song, Born Survivors, alongside David Cairol. Over the years, Cairol has collaborated with students in both France and Jamaica on various music projects. This year, the students joined forces for a project called Keepers of the Flame, where they performed in both English and French, showcasing their talents in an engaging video clip that received applause.

Emerging talents also shined that night, with Ojay the Great and Bijean captivating the crowd. Bijean opened with the love ballad Don’t Throw it All Away, charming the audience, especially the ladies. He quickly transitioned through his set, performing Too Experienced and Police and Thieves, where he highlighted his impressive vocal range.

Lymie Murray took a moment to support his daughter, Sobah, on stage, allowing her to shine with her performance. The crowd enjoyed her rendition of 10 Fry Dumplin, cheering for more. Bongo Herman, donning a cap labeled ‘Bob,’ entertained fans with his singing and drumming while reminiscing about his time with Bob Marley.

Another standout was Marlon Brown, who impressed again after his recent performance at a Dennis Brown tribute. He showcased his talent with tracks from his upcoming album, Something Special, and teamed up with David Cairol for their collaboration, Dread. Other notable performances came from French artists Twan Tee, Mo’kalamity, and Micah Shemaiah.

Surprise guests added to the excitement, including veteran singer Ken Boothe and Yohan Marley, Bob Marley’s grandson, both of whom delighted the audience with their appearances.

The evening concluded on a high note, with French Ambassador Olivier Guyonvarch expressing his happiness about the event’s success. “Tonight showcased the joy of music and reggae, bringing people together. This year’s concert was the best yet, and we look forward to more in the future,” he remarked.