The echoes of soothing island riddims rang throughout Miami’s Historic Virginia Key Park in the name of the late, Bob Marley. Loyal reggae fans and orthodox rastafari followers flocked to the 9 Mile Music Festival on Feb. 27 to memorialize the iconic career of the Jamaican reggae legend.
Presented by Cedella Marley Booker’s Smilin’ Island Food and 103.5 The Beat, the festival embraced every aspect of Marley’s life, from his Rastafari lifestyle to the extensive melodic contributions that have influenced several generations of musicians.
The Marley family invited assorted major players from the Caribbean to own the stage in honor of the “Buffalo Soldier” icon. Dancehall sensation Konshens, rising reggae star Protoje, and Jamaica’s vivacious veteran Capleton lit up the park with energetic performances that uplifted the crowd with good vibes and kept them dancing until sundown.
K. Camp brought mo fiya after he switched up the flow of show. The blessed the horde of baked patrons by performing “Money Baby,” “Comfortable” and his breakthrough hit “Cut Her Off.”
Once K. Camp finished his set, DJ Bulletproof of 103.5 The Beat threw down a quick mix before Papa Keith introduced the most anticipated act of the night, Nasir Jones. Queensbridge’s lyrical hero busted out revered street hits from his early career such as the DJ Premier produced “Nas Is Here” to “Memory Lane.”
Although he didn’t made no mention of his collaborative album Distant Relatives with Damian, the Mass Appeal CEO made sure to take the opportunity to salute Bob Marley with a deep rendition of “One Mic.”
After “Lights Camera Action” rapper Mr. Cheeks made his brief appearance, the Marley brothers closed out the show with an unforgettable family affair. Stephen and Damian played original songs like “The Mission” and included their late brother’s world-known tracks “Is This Love?” and “Buffalo Soldier.” They also allowed their sibling Julian Marley to gain more of the limelight than ever before.
Watch the full recap below from Amanda Barona and Reggaeville below.