Conscious reggae giants locked down the beach on Saturday night in a show that was a far cry from disappointment.

The show, presented by Culture Shock included headliners Richie Spice, Spanner Banner, Fanton Mojah and Gyptian. They performed hit after hit all backed by the Fifth Element Band. The band added a nice touch seeing that the past few reggae shows have not had live bands.

Despite all day rain showers, the show still went on at Snorkel Park in Dockyard with over 2,000 attendees. DJ Donnie and DJ Gibbo & Blacka played music until the artists came to the stage. Local artists Sweet Sess, Troy Anthony, Ali and youngsters Little Jade, Keijah and Isaiah, all representing Bermudian talent graced the stage to open for the reggae stars.

The MC for the night was Richie B from Hott 102.5 in Jamaica. I sat backstage with the artists as they prepared to perform. They all sat in a calm, relaxed, meditation style vibe awaiting their turn on stage.

Gyptian, Spanner Banner and Fanton Mojah greeted fans and signed autographs. All of them posed for pictures with fans expect Richie Spice who seemed to be in his own world. The show began around 12.30 a.m. with Spanner Banner opening for the Jamaican artists. He gave a great performance with songs like ?Like Paradise? and ?One Love?.

Newcomer Gyptian followed with Bermudian fans screaming as he came to the stage. The up and coming artiste debuted in Bermuda back in April, a show that opened up the concert season. The difference this time around was a live band.

Gyptian delivered hits in his beautiful conscious voice. His songs included ?Serious Times?, ?Is There a Place??, ?Beautiful Lady? and ?Mama Don?t Cry?.

A female fan came on stage and danced with him for a few minutes during ?Beautiful Lady?.

Gyptian was probably my favourite performance because his songs are beautiful and his delivery was great.

Fanton Mojah was next in line delivering a high energy performance jumping around and really feeling the music. A high point of the show for me was his performance of ?Hail To The King?. A woman got on stage and danced with him as well.

Richie Spice ended the show with his hits ?Earth A Run Red?, ?Marijuana?, ?Black Like A Tar? and many other songs.

Overall, Culture Shock Locks Down The Beach was a great show. The crowd was not only entertained ? I could tell they were feeling the whole conscious style vibe. For my first Culture Shock experience, I was impressed but more importantly really enjoyed the show. Those who missed it missed out on not only an amazing line-up but just an incredible show.