On the contraire readers, there was no ruse involved. This year's Rise Festival was a showdown of spectacular performances commending London's diversity. In honour of dispelling racism and uniting ethnic communities together - the Rise Festival featured no rising talent at all but the exclusive performances of adept jazz, soul, hip hop and reggae pundits.

In a downpour of staggering talent- Roy Ayers kick started the resonance of soul/jazz. This is one man that requires no introduction. His chivalry performance and dexterity was amplified on stage. Whilst proceeding to the stage dressed casually in tracksuit bottom's, he announces, 'Are you ready for some sunshine.' Hunched over a xylophone gripping the red- tip mallets, Roy and his group of musicians embark on a rhythmical sojourn of aesthetic beats and melodies.

In accordance to the feverish climate, there was only one track that could capture the momentum of the summery rays - 'Everybody Loves the Sunshine'. As the intro commences, more flavour is added to the production, incorporating the virtuosity of Roy's expeditious skills on the xylophone. It was a sultry depiction of the mindset of the revellers as they soak up the words and sun beams.

Not prepared to be upstaged, Common gave the most high-powered stage show. Despite the long wait for his arrival, Common compensated for the lapse of time in a red-blooded pursuit to portray conscious hip hop at its finest. Leaping onto the stage with his trademark accessory - the flat cap, he moves around sapping the naked stage to break-dance and funkstyle bends, as the crowd remains transfixed at his zippy display.

Common's subtlety was at times unnerving parroting love-making and hip-thrusts acts to the lyrics, 'when we make love, like rain it poured' ( track 'GO!'). But by no definition was it shocking, just a mere justification for an encore from female fans. Beguiling at love and relationships, Common touch base with his fans, as he hits out on unfaithfulness, which predictably leads to the single 'Faithful'.

Lowering the tone were the tycoons of reggae - The Wailers. The rare performance of the maestros chimed music and lyrics to the festival's theme, resurfacing the authenticity of 'Stir it up', 'No Women No Cry' and 'I shot the sheriff'. Alongside The Wailers were the backing singers who encapsulated the sun-kiss vibe through well choreographed moves and edgy vocals. The mellowness and dramatic vocals were piercing as tracks that explore unity and oneness were also served up, such as 'Redemption Song' and 'Exodus'. In what was a great beginning to an empowering festival - it certainly closed on a monumental resurgence.