Stephen Marley: The New King of Reggae

I was almost escorted out of the Roots and Rhymes concert VIP meet and greet by security. Yes, you read that correctly. But let's start from the beginning. I flew across the country from Florida to Costa Mesa, California to attend the Roots and Rhymes concert featuring Buju Banton and Stephen Marley. The show was epic! That cool California night was transformed into a hot tropical paradise. Stephen emerged on stage in jeans and a denim shirt, with his beautiful dreadlocks almost touching the ground. Looking more and more like his father, he commands the stage with the same effortless comfort. Seeing him perform is the closest thing to seeing Bob Marley perform. The King of Reggae throne requires singular devotion. Stephen understands that. Buju seems to have forgotten. And even though his talent remains undeniable, his fire is dimming.

Shortly after I entered the amphitheatre, Buju recognized me in the audience and mentioned my name on stage. My heart melted. But he would once again break it by the end of the night.

Last-minute plane ticket: $$$$

Hotel: $$$

VIP package: $$$$

The look on his face when Mark saw me in the audience: PRICELESS

After the excellent performances, I participated in the VIP meet and greet. After I took pics, I asked Mark if he wanted me to stay so we could catch up after he was done taking pics with the other VIP members of the audience. I hadn't seen him in ages. Like a child who hadn't seen her best friend all summer, I had a lot to tell him.

Before he could answer, this woman, who informed me that she was his manager, got in my face and asked what I needed. Manager? More like bodyguard. I told her that I was speaking to him. She asked again and I repeated my response. She was loud and obnoxious. It was obvious that she was harassing me. Even though she is twice my size (literally), I did not flinch, I did not back away. I stood my ground.

One of her minions approached us, looked me up and down, and said she was going to get security. The manager/bodyguard authorized her to do just that. And seconds later, a security guard was moving towards me. He looked like a linebacker. But again, I did not flinch, I did not back away. I stood my ground.

Buju ignored the harassment. I am not sure why a lion like Buju would do that. Maybe he is afraid of his manager/bodyguard? I think we may need to start a second Free Buju campaign??

Stephen could not ignore the harassment; he asked what was going on. I responded that the manager/bodyguard had asked the security guard to escort me out. She denied sending the security guard. She may not have personally asked the security guard to escort me out, but she obviously authorized it. And the entire room saw that.

After Stephen spoke, the security guard stopped in his tracks and backed away. Mr. Marley should not have had to intervene, but he did and I am forever grateful. Being hated by Mark's "manager" is nothing new to me. It is inconceivable how unprofessional this woman behaved. Butting into a conversation between Buju Banton and one of his most ardent supporters is simply psycho. And the fact that Gargamel, the rebel Mark Anthony Myrie, didn't stop her is even crazier.

The Mark that I know has rescued me time and time again and would never allow anyone to interfere in his affairs. The Mark I know has the potential to be Prime Minister one day. I still expect great things from him. If only he knew how blessed and highly favored he truly is. He certainly does not need to associate with some random washed-up former hip-hop music executive. Her influence has turned Buju into some sort of chocolate Ken doll and has possibly led to overexposure. His new image and new sound may not resonate with his fans. Authenticity has always been his trademark. This new direction feels like a departure. But I digress...

When I looked in the dull eyes of Buju's manager/bodyguard, I saw fear. Imagine: she is afraid of a woman who is half her size. It must suck to be her, knowing that the man she loves could never ever really love her because his heart will always belong to someone else. I guess she must have listened to 'Memories,' 'Sleepless Nights,' 'Go If You Want,' 'Never Love Again,' 'Believe What I Say,' 'Dangerous City,' 'Sweeter,' 'Feel a Way (feat. Stephen Marley),' 'Nuff Love for You,' 'Walked Out,' and 'Lonely Night.'

I am just kidding. Mr. Mark Myrie hates me and will punish me for the rest of my life.

I flew to California because I miss my friend terribly, but I also wanted to inform him of how I have been targeted since prosecuting the Jamaican Prime Minister. I won't bore you with the details. Needless to say, I need rescuing once again.

But since Mark allowed his manager/bodyguard to harass me, he definitely won't mind Holness targeting me. Holness and his cronies could silence me permanently by eliminating me from the face of the earth and Mark would not care less. He proved that at the concert.

Jamaicans are facing one of the most ruthless and oppressive regimes in the history of Jamaica. We need the fearless Boom Bye Bye Buju more than ever. However, I will continue to be a voice for the voiceless with or without him.

As I watched Mark perform in Costa Mesa, I could not help but reminisce about the last time I saw him in concert, October 2009 in Atlanta. The after-party we had was even better than the concert. When I reminisce about those times, they seem like a lifetime away. And I can't stop a tear or two. Too bad.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you, Stephen. I was already a fan, but now I am a Super Fan. Bob Marley's throne has passed to the most talented reggae star, his son Stephen. Stephen is the new King of Reggae.

Seeing Stephen Marley shut down a security guard on my behalf: PRICELESS.