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Summerjam! One of my favourite festivals on this side of the globe and once again it's that time of year! Germany hear we come to enjoy some of the best reggae/dancehall artists on the planet. This year, hip-hop superstar Common was also on the lineup and from all indications, this Summerjam would once again be one to remembered. For people accustomed to the whole festival scene, there is the question of, to camp or not to camp? And like I always tell people, if comfort and hygiene is not high on your priority list, then camp away! It's an experience you have to partake in at least once, but once is enough for me! Nevertheless, Summerjam is one of the most enjoyable, well organised festivals in Europe and this year was no exception.

Three days of nonstop reggae and dancehall music, good food, positive vibes and of course plenty good looking ladies, so pacing yourself is a must! The line up this year was solid but not as strong as in previous years, and with the cancelling of the U-club sound tent where I normally spin, many 'die hards' decided to sit out this year. For those who don't know, after the live shows are finished the best sound systems take over the spotlight and its then time for madness. And if its madness you seek, then the U-club tent was the place to be!! Many people swear that this was the best part of the Summerjam experience and with that said, the boycott was justified.

Friday, first day of the jam and actually comparing to last year, the place was not as ram. The vibe was still dey, charged with energy and anticipation for what these three days would bring. People were very happy-smiley, greeting each other in a somewhat Rastafarian mixed up with a sort of Buddhism - I tryin' to be cool and irie kinda way. Funny as hell, but everything was everything. I cyah explain it but Summerjam has a way of bringing out the best in people. No place for badness here, rudeboys beware! So the vibe on point for the start of the festivities, some cool first couple acts and the energy building sweet. We rollin with some die-hards and the alcohol consumption pace picking up. On a quick stroll around the area we ran into nuff soundboys, socialites, and plenty international press people. Big up Robo Ranks! After a descent plate of jerk chicken with rice and peas, we headed over to the Green stage to enjoy sexy, sexy Ce'cile's performance. And boy what a performance! Meanwhile Lady Saw took her show on the Red stage. It began just before Ce'cile's ended. So by the time we got over to Lady Saw, it was already a crazy hyped atmosphere with people screaming the texts to her tunes, waving flags, rags, hands, real madness! Hit after hit she squeezed out with seductive ease, true Lady Saw style, proving that she's the Queen of Dancehall for real. Then bam! The band start playing the Thriller riddim. "Loser", and the place explode because this is a tune Lady Saw did with Ce'cile. Smoke, lights, antics for so and then Ce'cile appears on the same stage. A picture perfect moment and a wicked performance. Priceless! Other acts which stood out above the rest on the day were from Taurus Riley, Queen Ifrica, Busy Signal and of course Mr. Vegas who never fails to deliver. Personally, I found Busy Signal's performance mad! The youth have energy for days and he knows how to captivate an audience. I saw him perform at clubs before, but never with a live band and obviously never in front of so many people. What you also realise as he performs is how many big tunes he has in his arsenal! But the tunes that really did it were "Unknown Number", "Nah Go Ah Jail" and of course "Step Out"! It was a big day of top class performances and a pleasing start to Summerjam. We ended the night in the sound tent listening to Soundquake, one of the biggest sound systems in Germany. A good way to round off the night!

Saturday, day two, and the only artist I'm looking forward to seeing is Alaine. Common scheduled to close the show on the Green stage, but me nah business. Alaine is my artist for the day. Again, the lesser known artists and bands built up the vibe nice. Jah Cure was the first big performer to take the stage. A very solid performance by an artist who is well loved and very popular over here in Europe. Voicemail followed, and after seeing them perform for the first time I have to say, hats of to these guys. Their voices were on point, energy for so and dem fellas could real dance! The ladies couldn't get enough of them. A big performance! My girl Alaine followed and just thinking about her performance still gives me goose bumps. A gorgeous woman, with an amazing voice. Honestly, I was afraid that she wouldn't have been able to cut it live. I heard that she was very good live but I wanted to experience it myself. What a performer, so captivating and audience aware. The masses seemed to be under her spell and I never saw so many big men sing ballads. What a ting! Next performer, Pressure (Buss Pipe)! Boom Bang! It had a concert with Pressure in Amsterdam (see gallery) not too long ago and that was wicked. In Amsterdam, it was his last stop on the tour so we had a Pressure who was a bit fatigued. But on this day, the man before us was fully charged to the max! Once again I have to mention his voice, which I think is one of the best out there right now. Greatness in the making!! Ky-mani Marley did his thing and then Common took over to close the show on the Green stage. I stayed around long enough to grab a glimpse. The sound was good and the people who stayed to see him perform seemed to enjoy his performance. Everybody else went to the Red stage where Mr. Lover Lover, no other than Shaggy himself was closing off the days performances over there. Say what you want about Shaggy, him bad! What an entertainer! He had the crowd in awe. So many hits tunes in quick succession kept the energy soaring to higher and higher heights. The older tunes did it of course but I think the biggest forward came for "Bonafide Girl". The day was mad, packed with great performances. Once again we partied into the early morning in the Sound tent to only big Sound Systems.Sentinel and Pow POW from Germany, and the far east rulers all the way from Japan, Mighty Crown blazed the fire all night long.

Sunday, the last and final day. Legs tired, head a bit light but we ready again! Today would be an easy chill day. On our agenda, Cocoa Tea, Luciano and Stephen Marley. But first, weh meh jerk chicken partner? The day cool so far. A nice breeze blowing, the weather sweet and the vibe still positive. Again some very good performances before the headliners. Derrick Morgan, Ken Boothe and The Caroloregians did their thing and rocked the masses with nice reggae music, paving the way for the first heavy hitter, legendary Cocoa Tea. For me, this was the best performance of the entire weekend. It was like Cocoa had one two many espresso-red bull slurpies. The man had stamina, his voice was magical and what we witnessed was the Cocoa Tea of old. Perfect that they saved this for the last day. Hit after hit after hit after hit. Insane, and with that, The Messenger, father Luci graced the stage in his commanding yet humble manner. Three days of performances and now here came the icing on the cake, with the cherry on top. The people went crazy! Amazing to see how an artists such as Luciano with his sweet voice and positive lyrics can still be so popular among the younger generation. No chat about material things just good, clean, uplifting words. Take note upcoming wanna be artists! Stephen Marley closed off the performances and the three day extravaganza, doing justice to the Marley name as usual.

Then to add the final full stop to Summerjam 2008 experience, there was the huge customary fireworks display! A fitting end to a fabulous three days. We had a time and once again Trini Jungle Juice was there to bring you closer to what transpired. Next year, God willing yuh done know we there again for sure!

Much Love,
D1 for Jammasters & Herbalize-it
TJJ Family, Holland