Inaugural Irie “Word. Sound. Power. Music & Arts Festival” Was Incredible!

When: August 13, 2022
Where: Minneapolis MN
Reporter: Stephen Cooper
Footage/Photos: Stephen Cooper – Edited by Teacher@ReggaeVibes
Copyright:  2022 – Stephen Cooper
Any use of any photos or artwork contained herein -without prior authorization- is strictly prohibited.

With legendary Jamaican singers Mykal Rose and Johnny Osbourne, legendary Jamaican sound engineer and dub pioneer Scientist (also known as Hopeton Brown), rising roots star Junior Dread from Brazil, Subatomic Sound System out of New York City, and, incredibly, much more, the first ever “Word. Sound. Power. Music & Arts Festival”—which took place August 13 in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota—was bound to be irie, but, what no one knew beforehand (except perhaps promoter Scott Stanley) was just how incredible a show it would be!

For ten hours, everywhere festival patrons looked and listened, sound system culture was in full effect—especially drum and bass, and deep, heavy roots songs and singing from foundational reggae and dancehall icons. The entire vibe of this inaugural festival was soul-shaking, resplendent with righteous consciousness, and geniously packaged in sweet, soothing, and in some instances, ultrasonic, sounds capable of uplifting the most downtrodden, most burdened citizen of the world.

As a seasoned reggae journalist, I soaked it all in, smiling and just humbly giving thanks for the opportunity to document as best as possible, for the reggae-loving public—through the video footage and photos contained in this article—the fun-filled, joyful, up-ful time had by all.

Let me also be the first person to put you on notice that this festival is only going to get larger—and if possible, better—each and every year it occurs; rumors are already swirling about the legendary performers Stanley has lined up for next year; so, it’s not too early for you to be looking ahead at your calendar, and making plans to attend this festival’s sophomore year!

Finally, please check back on the reggae-vibes website in a few weeks to read my exclusive interviews—conducted at the festival—of Junior Dread, Mykal Rose, and Johnny Osbourne.

Bless up every time to all reggae fans!

Mykal Rose