DJs set the pace at All-White
Published:Thursday | July 20, 2023 | 12:07 AMJanet Silvera/Senior Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
The music took on a different pace at Reggae Sumfest All-White, with hip hop ruling the roost for the first hour of the event at Pier One on Tuesday night.
The musical stylings of the DJs at the control – DJs Narity, Courtney, and Theron – perfectly anticipated the mood and wants of patrons as they guided the pace of the dancing and revelry throughout the night with expert juggling.
DJ Narity was on his A-game, but it wasn’t long before the maestro opened the door for dancehall with hits such as Ding Dong’s Holiday, Elephant Man’s Nuh Linga, and Serani’s No Games. Dancehall took charge of the fully white venue, with patrons bubbling to the beat.
It was clear that the 30th-anniversary staging of one of the world’s greatest reggae festivals had attracted many first-timers to the tourism capital.
Afrobeats made its way into the venue at 12:30 a.m., opening the party to the likes of Burna Boy and Nektunez. Later, the DJ decided to Cuff It with Beyoncé, and the audience came Under the Influence of Chris Brown.
When DJ Theron, accompanied by Trophy Sniper, fired their first musical shots, they took the crowd on a journey down memory lane, using Half Pint’s Greetings as their opening, pulling for Bob Marley, Dennis Brown, and Buju Banton as his leads.
The two brought renewed energy, giving life and recognition to the evolution of the music of the land.
Hookah stations, chocolate houses, and even a detox station sponsored by Nestlé were among the treats on offer at the annual all-white party. Again, Sunshine Snacks and Red Stripe were the highlights of the evening, making sure there was something for everyone.
“For All-White, we know it’s a very mixed demographic, so we wanted to be able to have brands that everybody can relate to. Red Stripe is the lead brand for this event. The Jamaica Tourist Board also came on in, in a very big way,” explained the woman behind sponsorships at Downsound Entertainment, Catherine Goodall.
“We wanted to make sure there was a little bit of everything. Coming to the all-white party, [patrons] want to feel like the effort [has been put in] for people to dress up and come out decked out in their all-white,” she added.
Reggae Sumfest kicked off on Sunday, July 16, with a family fun day. Tonight, the Global Sound Clash, with Bass Odyssey, Dynamo, Jah Works, Code Red, and the Magnum All-Star Sound Clash winner, Echo One, will take centre stage in the Pier One car park.
On Friday and Saturday, the event, listed among the greatest cultural and entertainment events in the world, moves to the Catherine Hall Entertainment Centre.