Short journey for A St Mary Mi Come From

Patrons had to settle for an abbreviated show when A St Mary Mi Come From ended prematurely at the National Arena in Kingston on Saturday night.

At minutes to 3 a.m., the show's principal , Capleton, took to the stage and told the half-full venue, "Police seh we haffi done by 2 o'clock," and invited a number of artistes, including: Beenie Man, Barrington Levy, Agent Sasco, Luciano, Bugle, Iba Mahr and Junior Reid, to "share the mic". This was a drastic departure from the show's previous stagings, usually held at The Gray's Inn Sports Complex in Capleton's home parish of St Mary.

"Many a mi artistes should a get fi perform still, but as mi seh, is a time thing," Capleton told The Gleaner. "If we keep the show here again next year, we will definitely have to cut down the amount of artistes - we'll probably have like seven. I didn't take the show away from St Mary. I just did it in the arena because the rain usually wash out the show. Mi do mi ting, and mi nah let nothing deter mi. We haffi give thanks fi the turnout, and the people dem weh come because it's a charitable event."

Since its first instalment in 2000, proceeds from St Mary Mi Come From have benefited institutions in St Mary, including Capleton's alma mater Islington High School, and the Annotto Bay Hospital. This, he said, would continue. "We still a go do something for the hospital and schools, but we want to do something for the Maxfield Park Children's Home, too. It's all about the development of the community and giving back," Capleton said.

The Slew Dem entertainer brought his usual high energy to the stage and treated fans to a short set which included his hits such as Raggy Road and Jah Jah City. Other notable acts included Cocoa Tea, who was the first act of the evening to truly pull patrons closer to the stage, as he belted classics like 18 and Over, She Loves Me Now and Good Life. Tarrus Riley also had the arena dancing to tracks like Never Leave I, Simple Blessings, and his new track, Guess Who. Solid performances also came from Gyptian, Queen Ifrica, Tony Rebel, and Jah-9.