The music of the late reggae legend Bob Marley is alive and well and this was never more evident than at the party to launch Rita Marley’s book No Woman – No Cry on February 6 – which also happens to be the date of Bob Marley’s birthday- at the Playhouse Zulu Jazz Lounge.

What a party! The Zulu Jazz Lounge was packed to capacity and everyone seemed to be having the best of times. Music was provided by local reggae band the Meditations and, boy did the old (Playhouse) ‘Cellar’ rock!

The Meditations sound very much like Marley’s Wailers, especially when playing some of the Reggae master’s classics but were just as impressive with obvious crowd-pleasers like Turn me Loose and Jungle Feeling.

What a pity the organisers didn’t provide some programme information as I, for one, would have loved to know more about this talented group and the other artistes who performed with them.

What a great vibe the Zulu Lounge offers. Seated where I was in the middle of the venue in the space previously used as the performance area, the sound was a bit muffled but Peter Gardner who has a very critical ear was highly complimentary of the sound, a rare accolade from him.

Sadly an early-morning call prevented me from enjoying the full programme but I was ‘jammin’ for a long time after I left the Lounge.

Donations collected will go to the Marley Foundation and Africa Unite – a fitting tribute to a great musician and his wonderful wife.

It’s good to know that Reggae is alive and well in (South) Africa. – Brian Roodt