RED STRIPE REGGAE SUMFEST - DANCEHALL NIGHT 2004

By Lady English (South Florida) for West Indian Times

Click For Photos: By Lady English 

Dancehall nice again!… thanks to the many entertainers who graced the stage at the Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest Dancehall Night 2004.

Earlier rainfall caused by the off island tropical depression, cooled the temperatures down somewhat and left a thick muddy trail on the way into the event, and soggy grass on the inside.  Nonetheless, it didn’t stop the thousands of dancehall fans from venturing out to witness one of the most successful nights in Sumfest history.  Early performances were kept to a minimum of ten minutes, and although at 10:05 p.m., the venue was still scarcely populated, the newcomers who have the tradition of opening the show, gave their all and then some more.  On the downside, many of the male artists sounded like Sizzla clones, replicating his voice and lyrical style.  There really was not much originality until I-Wayne came out and delivered his musical efforts.  An obvious crowd favorite, he did well, as did Predator of the “Head Nuh Good” fame, Voice Male, and Delly Ranks, who gave the first dance classes for the night with the audience bopping along for the Scooby Doo, Shankle, and the Airport.

Red Rat was stunning in a full-length red and white coat.  As always, his performance was top notch while he entertained the patrons with his humorous ways.  All that the ratty one needs right now is hit song to put him back on top – something he hasn’t had for a long, long time.  Ce’Cile looked hot!  The sexy dancehall diva delivered several of her big tunes, including her duet with Canada’s Carl Henry, “Bare As She Dare” – but disappointingly, did not even whisper a note from her past number one hit “Changez.”  Macka “Tek Con” Diamond, the former Lady Mackerel, was a huge crowd favorite.  Dressed in the most original Sumfest outfit made out of currency from all over the world, her theme for the night was all about the Benjamin’s!  “Baby, Yuh Really Done Already?” and other tight lyrics escaped from the first female to have a number one hit song in Jamaica this year, and “Money O” was the phrase on everyone’s lips for the next fifteen minutes! 

By 12:10 a.m. the Catherine Hall venue looked almost full to capacity.  Turbulence took the stage with a small army of flag waving dreads, Kip Rich, Bling Dawg, and an energetic Stitchie followed, the latter bringing God to Dancehall night and intertwining his “Praise the Lord,” lyrics and spiritual “Fast and Pray,” with high kicks and scissor leaps.  Wayne Marshall is another artist who is crying out for a hit single, and talked plenty instead of singing during the first few minutes of his performance.  Two years ago when he performed at Sumfest, he was in attendance was his Martial Arts band, biggin' up his status.  This year his band was noticeably absent.  The “Roughest” Assassin, proved why VP Records are preparing him to be the next big thing.  Looking dapper in a beige suit, he “Pull Up in the Dance,” and pumped out the “Bad Mind.”

It was a pleasure to see the ladies represented at Sumfest this year, and Lady Saw in a style that raunchy pop queen Madonna would be proud of, creatively entered the stage on a huge canopy bed draped with red material.  Removing her shoes early into her performance and flanked by female dancers, Saw spoke of the “Pretty Nookie,” and praised the male member.  “From “It’s Raining,” to “Gone Wild,” from her long awaited Striptease album, Saw reigned as the queen of dancehall, and reminded the audience to hug their mothers every day before performing the emotional heart tugging “Mama I Miss You.”  She left the stage supported by her two sisters and a resounding applause from the visibly moved audience.

The Grammy winning Beenie Man took the reigns after that, and acted oblivious to the fracas at the side of the stage being caused by Bounty Killer.  Obviously the Killer wanted to perform before the Doctor, but did not get his way, and fortunately, very few people noticed what was going on. Another entertainer who chose to wear full white, the Girls Dem Sugar ensued with “Romie,” “Dem,” “Toy Friend,” “Bad Man,” and a solo “Dude,” devoid of Miss Thing.  If the term ‘had the crowd eating out of the palm of his hands’ was coined by anyone, then it was Beenie Man who had the pleasure of initiating it.  His experience was apparent when he all he had to do was smile that famous grin to get the crowd screaming, or at other times, sing the mere first line of a song to warrant the same effect.  “A resonant ‘NO!’ met his question of “can I go home now?” therefore, the Doctor continued with his vast catalogue of hit songs for just under an hour on the Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest Dancehall Night.

The earlier Bounty Killer altercation was invisible once a comfortable looking Killer crossed the threshold to take center stage.  He gave an admiral performance and filled the slot between to the two dancing heavyweight deejays with his “Originality,” “Eagle and the Hawk,” and other lyrical favorites, removing his trademark sunglasses so that patrons really could ‘look into his eyes.’  Wayne Marshall and Vybz Cartel – two artistes careers that he helped to launch, came back to assist the Killer towards the end of his segment, then the stage was cleared once again for the imminent closing act.

‘In God We Trust’ and in Elephant Man, we are entertained!  At 4:35 a.m. it was all over for Dancehall night, as the Energy God armed with bags of surplus energy launched into his set.  Clothed in gold and white with the words ‘In God We Trust’ draped across his back and on his shin guards, he advanced with “Signal the Plane,” “Higher Level,” and “Bun Bad Mind,” joined by Marvia Providence for her rendition of “Hear My Cry Oh Lord.”  He climbed both speaker boxers on each side of the stage, pounded a female tourist with his lethal dance moves, when all she came to do was ‘shake her ass’ for him, and censored another young woman who left her underwear at home! Ele was in his element as he continued with “Jook Gal,” “Blasé,” “Get Jiggy,” “Pon Di River,” and a selection of other songs from his enormous goodie bag, then ended the night with “We Are the World,” joined by the thousands strong Catherine Hall choir.  In Nike sneakers (does Puma know about this?), the yellow haired deejay fastened the lid firmly on Thursday night’s event and endorsed that Dancehall truly is nice again!

LadyEnglish1@Hotmail.com

“Keeping the Vibe Alive”