Reggae Sumfest Dancehall Night Hits High Note
Rain had been pelting the western section of the island only hours before the start of the show, but that was not enough to stop the thousands of loyal Festival supporters who turned out. From as early as 7 pm, patrons were lining up outside the venue anticipating the start of the Festival.
The event pulled thousands of patrons into the Catherine Hall complex to see an armada of current stars blended with the future stars of Jamaica’s Dancehall scene.
The artiste package was a competent mixture of experience in the form of acts such as Bounty Killer and Assassin, youth in the form of acts such as Konshens and Tifa, potential in the form of acts such as Taz and Bescenta, and vitality in the form of acts such as Spice and Vybz Kartel.
They all thrilled a receptive crowd with blistering performances, raising their game to the excellence that is associated with the Reggae Sumfest standard.
One of the show’s more moving moments was when the group Voicemail opened with a soulful rendition of Praise His Name, a tribute tune recorded in memory of Oneil, their fallen group member. The almost tearful rendition held the audience silent for a few moments, until the tribute morphed into another form of dedication with the introduction of more upbeat and vibrant tunes that the group is known to perform.
Another solemn moment occurred when one of dancehall’s most influential artistes, Bounty Killer, was honoured in song by one of his most popular protégés, Elephant Man, and when Bounty Killer similarly paid respect to Vybz Kartel.
This commendable start to the 2010 Reggae Sumfest is testament to the strength of the Festival, pulling thousands from across the world to watch a well packaged show from start to end.
Reggae Sumfest continues on Friday Night with International Night One, and will feature acts such as Chris Brown, Protoje, Etana and Jah Cure, and International Night Two on Saturday, with acts such as Usher, Beenie Man, Shaggy, and Tarrus Riley.
Reggae Sumfest remains the most celebrated and supported Reggae Festival in Jamaica, and attracts the world’s leading musicians and performers. In its near 20 year history, the show has boasted a superb entertainment package, loaded with the best performances, food, music, and culture.