Words by Theo Thompson
Photos by Lorcan Berg
The energy at O2 Academy Islington on a cool autumn night was electric from the moment DJ Daddy Fridge kicked off the evening. His smooth, laid-back set created the perfect ambience, effortlessly transitioning into Elev8te’s performance, a star brimming with passion, confidence and intricate lyricism. As Seani B took over, raising the tempo with a suave mix of bangers, the crowd was primed and ready. But the night truly came alive when Kabaka Pyramid and the Bebble Rockers took the stage.
The anticipation in the room was palpable as the Bebble Rockers, consisting of Craig Grizzle Higgins on bass, Shackair McQueen on guitar, Christophe Smith on drums and Shane Fyah Keyz Stone on keyboard, set the tone with a deep, rhythmic groove. Their synergy was magnetic and the crowd was entranced. When Kabaka Pyramid swaggered onto the stage in a double-leather ensemble, complete with a funky shirt, the reception was nothing short of euphoric. Fans reached out, desperate for a simple dap, overwhelmed by the presence of the Grammy-winning reggae revolutionary.
Kabaka’s message was clear from the outset: Music about message. His performance embodied this ethos, each song carrying a potent blend of activism, self-awareness and joy. Early into the show, he smiled at the crowd singing back to him, feeding off their energy, as he launched into, “I can see clearly now the rain has gone,” a nod to personal and collective clarity.
The Bebble Rockers didn’t just play alongside Kabaka; they were fully integrated into the performance. Craig Grizzle and Shackair McQueen swayed in unison, the sharp reggae-style strums of the guitar adding an addictive rhythm to the air. The communication between Kabaka and the band was flawless, their expressions and movements reflecting a deep connection with the crowd. The audience, a vibrant mix of young and older generations, reciprocated instantly, creating a communal atmosphere.
Kabaka’s iconic track, Well Done, about political tensions and social injustice, struck a powerful chord. The line “You’ve done a such a great job selling out we country, Comeen like Humpty Dumpty now” resonated not just with myself but throughout the room, casting light on the failures of leadership, the crumbling promises of “politician man” as Kabaka sang. It was a poignant moment that reminded everyone of the reggae artist’s dedication to being a voice for the voiceless.
The night wasn’t without its challenges, however. A technical glitch threatened to interrupt the flow, but Kabaka turned it into an opportunity. With a grin, he dove into an acapella performance, leading the crowd in chants, never missing a beat. His lyric, “Don’t fight marijuana,” seemed to float through the air, perfectly matching the gradual haze of smoke that started filling the venue as the night progressed.
As Kabaka transitioned into my personal favourite, Stand Up, the gravity of his message became even clearer. “Breonna Taylor get shot up and George Floyd him couldn’t breathe,” he sang, drawing a collective breath from the audience. The weight of his words hung in the air, emphasising the power of music as a form of protest. “If I don’t speak up for something, they take my freedom for nothing,” he continued, a rallying cry for justice, peace and unity. Lighters flickered across the crowd, despite security’s best efforts, illuminating the space with a shared sense of purpose.
The night surged forward with Kabaka’s iconic track with Peter Tosh, Mystik Man, which injected a wave of jumping energy into the room. He revealed his Arsenal shirt, emblazoned with the name Mystik Man and number 10, to the crowd’s delight. By the time the thumping bass of Energy filled the air, Kabaka’s lyric, “Please don’t drain my energy,” had the audience moving as one, raising their hands in unison.
One of the most powerful moments came during the performance of Red Gold and Green, a song that exemplifies the core values of reggae. As the Rasta flag unfurled, he pointed to its colours, each representing a deep historical truth: “The Red a fi di shedding of the blood weh set you free, The Gold stand for justice and equality, The Green is for abundancy and fertility.” It was a reminder of the power of reggae not just as music, but as a movement.
Kabaka’s performance of The Kalling, left the audience with one final thought: “It’s not about no doctrine or religion, it’s my actions and decisions. ‘Cause these tracks weh man a sing pon, dem impact how people.” His message of self-awareness, peace and purpose of music echoed long after the final note.
The O2 Academy Islington wasn’t just a venue that night; it was a space where Kabaka Pyramid’s vision for a better world came to life. With every lyric, and every note, Kabaka and the Bebble Rockers proved that music is indeed about the message.
