The last performer of the Saturday night at Rentolava stage was the Jamaican dancehall artist Beenie Man. In their sailor-like costume Beenie Man and his band offered an entertaining and colourful show. Energetic show included, for example tribute to the recently died pop legend Michael Jackson. The crowd got a glimpse of a good Caribbean festival mood.

With the likes of Capleton, Mike Patton and the Heptones and ska legend Skatalites having performed here in previous years, Beenie Man continued the tradition of Ilosaarirock of prominent Jamaican reggae artists. This kind of guests bring something of the genuine Afro-Caribbean music culture to these northern lands. While the mast of a sailboat was visible at Pyhäselkä Lake, one could imagine that the lake was transformed to the Caribbean for a while.

The repertoire of Beenie Man included of course dancehall, but also something reminded me of the rich Caribbean carnival tradition. The end of the Saturday night at the festival was hence by no means sleepy.

Aaron Kallinen