Impressions: A Night Aboard the Jamrock Cruise

Photos by Martei Korley

Damian Marley’s Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise set sail for the second time this year, with an all-star crew that included the likes of Bounty Killer, Capleton, Popcaan, Third World and of course Damian and Marley brothers Stephen, Ky-mani and Julian.

This year there were two cruises set back-to-back, mimicking each other with five nights of live performances, big DJ sets and even a three-way sound clash between Mighty Crown, Bass Odyssey and Metro Media. LargeUp was aboard Voyage #1, sailing out of Miami with stops in Montego Bay and Ocho Rios.

The first night of any journey is often the most special. Everything is fresh and new, and there’s an excitement in the air that keeps the ordinary from setting in. That was definitely the case on Night One of this year’s Jamrock Cruise. After a sail-away party in the afternoon, the evening brought brilliant performances from Protoje, Morgan Heritage, Maxi Priest and Stephen Marley, who was joined during his set by an all-star cast including brother, Damian Marley, his son, Jo Mersa, and longtime bredrin, Spragga Benz. Everyone on board went to sleep that night (if they slept at all) knowing that they had just witnessed. The world’s greatest floating reggae festival had started off swimmingly, previewing further highlights to come.

Here, photographer and LargeUp creative director/co-founder Martei Korley takes us to the Caribbean Sea onboard the Norwegian Pearl ship, with an epic photo series capturing the highlights of the Jamrock Cruise’s Night One. Check back in with us soon for more images, and catch our “Live from the Jamrock Cruise” videos here.

These twins were loving the vibes, from early…

Protoje and his Indiggnation band warmed up the boat, with the cruise’s first performance

Danny Bassie of Firehouse Crew, and now Indiggnation, anchors the set, alongside Indiggnation’s Zugu.

LargeUp family Jason and Veronika, always where the action is.

Protoje turns up the vibes with Ky-mani Marley

Peetah Morgan addresses the crowd before a blazing set of classics and new tracks.

One of the tightest bands in the business, Morgan Heritage put on a stellar set.

Peetah belts one out with some help from the sax man.

Hands inna di air!

Maxi Priest ah di boss! That’s what all of the musicians backstage were saying, as the King of U.K. Lovers Rock delivered a soaring performance.

It was Maxi Priest’s first time performing on the Jamrock Cruise (or any cruise!) and he did not disappoint. Look out for more on him in his upcoming, exclusive LargeUp interview.

Jo Mersa warmed up the stage before his father, Stephen Marley. You could really see the growth from last year, as the young singer continues to develop his style.  

Stephen Marley backup singer Rochelle Bradshaw puts one up into the sky.

There’s always a natural mystic blowing in the air, when Stephen brings that classic Marley mystique to the stage.

Real Bongo Nyah! Spragga Benz joins his longtime friend on stage.

Brothers in Arms: Stephen and Damian Marley

Spragga and Damian take center stage, as Stephen and Baby Cham look on.

Geefus from the legendary Stone Love was cracking jokes all over the ship, but he wasn’t joking when he was on the set. Here, takes over the main stage alongside fellow selector Rory Gilligan.

A reveler from Bermuda feels the vibes.

See more Jamrock Cruise vibes here.