Jah Cure cries for Buju, Bounty credits King Jammy

On Wednesday night, as they performed on the 2015 Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise, singer Jah Cure and deejay Bounty Killer gave thanks to persons who made a significant contribution at critical points in their lives.

They were part of a predominantly dancehall line-up, which also included Busy Signal, Super Cat, Elephant Man and Popcaan. Following the main stage performances on the Norwegian Pearl's open-air Tahitian Pool 12th level, King Jammy and his son Jam 2 presented live mixing on the stage, joined eventually by Shinehead and Damian 'Jr Gong' Marley. Renaissance played in the Atrium on the ship's level seven.

The cruise had reached Montego Bay, St James, on Wednesday morning and was sailing along Jamaica's North Coast to Ocho Rios, St Ann, during the performances.

After telling the ladies "anytime you need a lover call on me" and singing Love Is, Jah Cure turned to his incarceration experience between 1999 and 2007. In doing so, he traced a journey that the presently incarcerated Buju Baton had made on land over 15 years before, in the reverse of the ship's current direction.

"I remember when I was behind bars and a struggle. My bad days have created good days now," Jah Cure said, singling out Buju Banton for special thanks as "the first artiste who ever help me." Jah Cure said that at the time he had no money and neither did his family.

"Buju Banton is a blessed, blessed heart. Buju Banton drive all the way from Kingston and pay my lawyer the first money. Tears come a me eye," Jah Cure said, going on to say "free Buju Banton, free Worl' Boss."

Confirming his emotions, Jah Cure said "see water spill deh." And before doing True Reflection, Jah Cure expanded the dedication to all the men and women who have gone to jail. While doing it, Jah Cure continued to express his gratitude by inserting Buju Banton's name into the song.

In closing the concert, Bounty Killer spanned a variety of beats, rock and roll at the foundation of his declaration "me de gal dem a die fa", roots reggae the bed for his singing on It's Okay, uptempo dancehall underpinning Anytime and rub a dub the musical focus of Roots, Reality and Culture.

Early in his performance, before doing Mystery, Bounty said when he came out in 1993 the game changed. And Bounty thanked a man slated to be on stage after him for that pivotal period in his life.

"The greatest opportunity was when I got the chance to be a part of that 90s music. The person who gave me that opportunity was Lloyd 'King Jammy' James," Bounty said, adding that Jammy taught him about "real music".

On Wednesday evening, even with two nights of concerts left in the 2015 Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise, the dates and part of the line-up for the 2016 staging were announced. Next November, there will be one ship, but larger than the Norwegian Pearl.

A popular song by each performer was played before the name was announced. For Junior Reid it was One Blood, Heads High was played for Vegas, Stepping Out for Steel Pulse, Mi Caan Sleep for Romain Virgo, Assassin was announced wit Eediat Ting Dat and Half Pint with Greetings.

Before Toots and the Maytals's Bam Bam was played it was announced that they had not been on stage for three years and the other performers announced were Callibub and Mavado. More persons will be added to the 2016 performance roster.