Saw sizzles at Reggae Sumfest
ENERGY-filled performances, references to Jamaica’s 50th year of Independence, and the crowning of a ‘queen’ were the high points of Dancehall Night of Reggae Sumfest held at Catherine Hall Entertainment complex in Montego Bay, St James on Thursday night.
Lady Saw was officially crowned the queen of the dancehall at the festival, now in its 20th year.
“It has been a journey. But what is due to Caesar, no one else can get,” she said. “I was banned from performing at this event years ago. But now the organisers are crowning me as the queen.”
Before being crowned by the Sumfest organisers, a skimpily clad, crotch- grabbing Lady Saw hurled a string of her raunchiest hits. These included If Him Lef, Backshot, Walk Out, Two Man, and No Long Talking. She also threw lyrical blows at some of her male counterparts much to the delight of the thousands at the venue.
Twenty-two-year-old Romain Virgo — who over the years has shown musical maturity — delivered soulful melodies, including The Rain Is Falling, Rich In Love, Can’t Sleep, Feel Like Letting Go, and a cover version of British singer Adele’s Don’t You Remember.
As anticipated, I-Octane delivered an energetic set. Torches, firecrackers, and lighters were lit when he took the stage. Lose A Friend, Nuh Love Inna Dem, Mama You Alone and Blood Shed were a few of the songs he used to keep the fire burning throughout his performance.
Fast-rising deejay Tommy Lee lived up to the hype as he performed in the city of his birth. The screams were almost deafening when the voice of the tattooed entertainer echoed over the microphone.
Suited in black, Tommy Lee had the audience hanging on to his every lyric with songs like Stocking Up The Paper, Psycho, and Some Bwoy.
Outstanding performances also came from Konshens, Kiprich, Aidonia, Pop Caan, Spice, Tifa, Elephant Man, Beenie Man and the husband- and-wife team of Baby Cham and O.
Radio personalities Richie B and GT Taylor were also honoured by the Sumfest team for their contribution to the entertainment industry.