By Leah Victoria

Date / Venue: Wednesday March 30th, 2016 - The Powerstation, Auckland

Legend, quite simply is one of the greatest compilations of one of the greatest artists in the world. Released in 1984 the year of my birth, and selling an estimated 25 million copies globally. To have it bought to life 32 years later with such authenticity is nothing short of brilliant.

Although Bob Marley has long been resting, his band continue to share his legacy, and spread peace, love and positivity so well, you can feel the man himself in the room.

Opening tonight at Auckland’s Powerstation, Aston “Family Man” Barrett & Melvin Glover from the original line up, alongside current band members Audley “Chizzy” Chisholm, Aston Barrett Jnr & Chaka Taylor open with a beautiful long instrumental to warm up. As soon as Dwayne Anglin & the stunning Cegee Victory stepped on stage, the sounds that many of us in the crowd grew up with permeated the atmosphere.

Is This Love was first up and before the first verse was complete, it was clear that it was true love.

The night took us on a journey back in time as what felt like a very select and mixed crowd chilled out and lost themselves in the history of what were very troubled times.

Present time troubles were acknowledged by Dwayne as he poetically mumbled about terrorism and the other craziness in todays world but assured us everything was gonna be alright as he followed up with 3 Little Birds.

I truly feel that there is no music in existence that can bring you the kind of happy feeling and optimism that 80’s reggae does. There is no way you can stand still while surrounded by such rhythmic beats and catchy melodies. Lyrics with a fairy tale like quality speak of life as it reminds you to get back to basics.

It was the ultimate sing along show, as such well known hits came one after another, delivered impeccably by Dwayne’s soulful and gravely vocals. Although he lacks the range that Bob owned, he was complimented beautifully by Cegee.

Stir it up, No Woman No Cry, Buffalo Soldier, each one had the crowd mesmerised. Jammin seemed like a particular favourite tonight, and ended the set on a high before Dwayne returned to the stage alone and gave us an acoustic rendition of Redemption Song, that felt so deep and full of meaning it gave me goose bumps and teary eyes.

Being in the presence of this iconic band and hearing this music live is nothing short of a privilege and an experience that will stay with me forever.

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