ANTHONY B live @ Main Stage 2009

The final night of Rototom Sunsplash 2009 brought the biggest crowd to the festival. Finally the rain had ceased and there was an end-of-the-century atmosphere around as people made the most of their last chance for this year’s enjoyment. The man left to headline the event was Anthony B, the popular firebrand sing-jay that had wowed audiences at Sunsplash on occasions in the past. Following the usual stunning performance by veterans Third World (with a fine electric cello performance by mainstay Cat Coore), Mr B took the stage with a solid band and two fine backing singers behind him to deliver a very long set of high quality tunes. The energy remained high throughout the wee hours, and unlike some of his peers, Anthony B still manages to keep singing even when he is pogoing on one leg to hardcore dancehall rhythms. Though on this occasion, mostly Mr B delivered his messages in roots dancehall mode. The standout moments were many, with only a new song called ‘Mama’ sounding not quite fully formed, but his version of Ini Kamoze’s ‘Worl A Music’ and the ‘Police’ anthem really came across. He also brought a couple of kids on stage from the audience, informing them that they could be presidents and prime ministers, should they put their minds to it.

16* Rototom Sunsplash 2009
Jul 2-11 Osoppo Italy
http://www.rototom.tv