Macka B
Time was when Norwich Arts Centre was the go to venue for live reggae in Norwich, but the last couple of times Macka B paid us a visit it was the old Owl Sanctuary where he played two shows that were nights of joyous sold out positivity. At the end of what had proven to be a long week, extra effort was definitely required to leave the house, but that effort was completely justified the moment I walked into the hall to find Rebel Lion Soundsystem in full flight, Finbarr at the controls. Accompanied at times by live sax and violin, for the next hour the selection of tunes were faultless.
Macka B has been recording and touring for decades and it shows. Backed by the brilliant Roots Ragga Band, as soon as the set began the packed room got its groove on, it was impossible to do anything else. Macka is one funny dude too - every song is preceded by some info about the lyrical content, all delivered with his winning smile. Rarely will you see a performer so steeped in positivity; whether pro-ganja use, promoting the vegan lifestyle or singing of his love of Bob Marley, Macka just makes it all seem so logical and correct. Each member of the band were exquisite - brilliant five string bass, superb keyboard playing filling out the sound, busy reggae drumming and at times almost trippy guitar solos ending the songs.
Over the course of ninety minutes on stage we got to hear so many great tracks, and it’s pleasing that much of the material that was greeted like years old classics has actually been released over the course of the past five years. Especially Medical Marijuana Card, Wha Me Eat, Gangster and none more so than new song Cucumber which is both brilliant and hilarious, I have already adapted my pronunciation of the word, Jamaican stylee - cucumba.
The band’s van had broken down on the way to the gig resulting in them going on stage a little late, as a consequence by the end of the set some of the audience had melted away, but I came to be entertained, and I got what I came for. It’s a rare thing to see an artist who is so inspiring, but without being preachy - health is wealth, ital is vital! Macka B is someone who can make you dance all night, but can also make you belly laugh at the same time. It was a great night down at Norwich Arts Centre and I can only hope that this reminds them there is a huge appetite for live reggae in Norwich.
