República do Reggae gathers nearly 30,000 people by the beautiful Ipitanga Beach in Salvador!

As expected, the Surforeggae Team was once again present at one of the most important reggae events in Brazil in 2003. After 8 years of waiting, the Bahian public could once again see and hear one of the most important figures in reggae worldwide, Alpha Blondy. The night was long, with the presence of several National Bands, in addition to the Great Idol Alpha Blondy & The Solar System. The event, called República do Reggae, was initially “proclaimed” by the band Diamba, from Salvador-BA. Featuring some novelties, such as the introduction of “brass”. The band, well known by the Local Audience, played its main hits. The audience, estimated at 30,000 people, packed the space by the beautiful Praia de Ipitanga in Salvador, eagerly waiting for the main attraction. After the show by Banda Diamba, it was Tribo de Jah's turn, who put on a very good show, singing their main hits and some songs by King Bob Marley. Showing friendliness and professionalism, the members of Tribo began to get the crowd into the rhythm of what was to come. At this point in the night of November 15, the rain was already falling heavily at “Arena Beach” (show venue). However, the Great Audience present seemed to care little about the situation and kept singing and dancing reggae as if it were the first time. Now it was the turn of the nationally known Adão Negro. Very consistent, the band showed songs that are on the lips of the Brazilian people. With a very good performance, the Adão crew left the stage, giving way perhaps to the most awaited moment of recent years. Backstage, the Solar System band was arriving little by little and already gathering in the dressing rooms, while the chorus of thousands of people could be heard in a single voice calling for the great singer, Alpha Blondy, who calmly prepared for the encounter with the public. Much sought after by the Press, Alpha humbly treated everyone around him well.

THE START OF THE ALPHA BLONDY SHOW

The time was coming. When the Solar System musicians went up on stage, the crowd there went wild. Enthusiastic screams could be heard from the audience, who would finally have the great idol from Costa do Marfim up close. The show started with the same introduction from the live CD “Paris Bercy”. The Solar System band, very tight, unleashed impeccable instrumentation, greatly enhanced by the presence of the two very friendly backing vocals. Still backstage, wearing the “República do Reggae” shirt, Alpha began his devastating presence, citing “Psaume 23” from the Bible. As the audience expected, the song Jerusalém came to start one of the most exciting sequences ever seen. Visibly happy, Alpha Blondy & The Solar System interacted with the Audience at all times. More excited and emotional fans did what we consider the ugliest part of the spectacle. The number of people going on stage was uncontrollable, many of them bringing gifts to the idol. However, Alpha Blondy kindly asked the security guards to let the fans feel at ease, dancing and singing with them. Many hits were played that night. From “Politiki”, Jah Glory, Assinie Mafia, Brigadier Sabari to Politruc, Sweet Fanta Diallo, Peace in Libéria, Hypocrite, among others. The band seemed not to want to say goodbye to that wonderful and enthusiastic audience. With a performance that lasted around 2:30h, the band left the stage and, at the audience's requests, returned for another encounter. Showing friendliness and attention to his fans, Alpha Blondy & The Solar System said goodbye to Bahia with a “See you later”, or see you soon, promising to return soon. In an atmosphere of peace, love, and harmony the audience was ecstatic with the wonderful and unmatched performance of Solar System together with Blondy. However, the night was not over yet. República do Reggae, which was more of a Marathon, still had Edson Gomes to come, and right after Sine Calmon and Morrão Fumegante. Saying a few things about Alpha Blondy's performance, Edson Gomes began his show and played his main hits. The audience was somewhat unable to understand what the famous Reggae Singer said, even getting lightly booed. After a presentation like Alpha Blondy's, for someone to come to a crowd and say it was “unbearable” really did not please the audience that was still “anesthetized” by the presentation of the “Príncipe da Costa do Marfim”. Putting aside the things that only Edson Gomes himself could explain, Sine Calmon went up on stage to close the “night”. The day was already dawning when Sine and Morrão Fumegante showed what they came for, and once again got the crowd going. At the end of the presentation, the sun was already (a bit of an exaggeration) “splitting” the head of the “regueiro”, who had been bombarded with major attractions since 9pm the previous day. Satisfied and happy, the audience went home carrying in their minds the memories of having taken part in the “Proclamação da República do Reggae”, as a great friend of ours would say. The event could not have been better, and it should certainly draw the attention of businesspeople linked to major International Attractions, focusing on Salvador as a great Potential for shows of the Genre.

IMAGES OF THE EVENT

 Click here and check out the photos of this event

MORE INFORMATION

 See also the article and photos of Alpha Blondy's show in São Paulo at Credicard Hall.

MULTIMEDIA

Click here and see Alpha Blondy live with "Jerusalem".