Griffiths moved through her set with trademark aplomb. She had the audience singing along robustly as she delivered hit after hit to earn a welldeserved encore.

Hammond, the elder statesman of lovers rock, topped it off by inviting Griffiths on stage to deliver the delightful duet, If You See Me Crying. Perhaps the real highlight of Western Consciousness was that most of the younger acts applied themselves professionally.

Despite forecasts of gloom about the future of Jamaica’s popular music, light still shines among some of the emerging artistes who have taken the unpopular choice of keeping it clean.

Chief among them was Romain Virgo who did justice to his rising status by belting out a string of songs which all had positive messages.

Duane Stephenson was also explosive and reminded that young people from August Town (his hometown) were still interested in Little Cottages in Negril.

Earlier, the sounds of the Uprising Roots band was pleasing to the ear and a signal that this outfit is set for the big time.

Iyah Blazze was his usual energetic self while Ibah Mhar definitely brings something new to the table, though he needs to concentrate on being more audible.

Another potential star is I Noah but again this youngster would do well to pay close attention to how more seasoned performers deliver a proper set.

Droop Lion started to huge fanfare as his Pentecostal dance moves went over well. However, he seemed to have also been bitten by the ‘forward’ bug.

However, patrons did not seem to mind his theatrical performance.

Jah 9 also showed promise, while the C-Sharp band did a tight set.

Early Sunday morning, Luciano pranced on stage and gave the audience a lot to cheer about. His performance paved the way for closing act Capleton, who in his inimitable, energetic style, whipped the audience into a frenzy to bring the curtains down on the 24th staging of the event.