New, old dancehall shines on Reggae Sumfest Night 1
Published:Saturday | July 22, 2023 | 7:32 PM
Tommy Lee Sparta's performance was only one highlight of Reggae Sumfest Night Two.
A reflective Tommy Lee, who returned to the Jamaican stage after being incarcerated for two years for illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition, had a heart-to-heart with fans as he shared his excitement at being released and performed singles such as Buss a Blank, Warn Dem, Dem Nuh Bad and Rich Badness.
Before he hit the stage to close the show, Vanessa Bling, 450, Masicka, Valiant and Teejay treated fans to a wide variety of performances that helped to make the night an overall success.
Entering the stage dressed in a grey suit, Valiant opened his performance with North Carolina, telling the audience, "A mi first time a Sumfest and mi work hard".
He went on to perform Dunce Cheque, Insomnia, Motorcade and Barbies, with a ballerina joining him on the stage.
With a number of acts, the event’s running order was nothing to scuff at.
More seasoned artistes like Jah Vinci were intermingled with newer acts, keeping excited patrons on edge with a slew of familiarity and newness.
There was a little of everything for all flavours of dancehall fans, including those more familiar with the likes of veteran sound system Mighty Crown as they brought their 30-year career to an end. There was also the Boombox 90’s Badness tribute, which saw Nitty Kutchie, Harry Toddler, General B, Mega Banton, Silver Cat, Round Head, Tony Curtis and Jigsy King create a ‘90s dancehall set.
All in all, dancehall night turned out to be a treat for fans of the genre thanks to a balancing act of the old and new. It serves as a positive indicator for what is to come from Night Two.
Tonight's performers include Kabaka Pyramid, Morgan Heritage, Minister Marion Hall, Freddie McGregor, Richie Stephens, Romain Virgo, D’Yani and Tanya Stephens.
This is McGregor's first performance in Jamaica following a scary stroke in November last year while in Florida. While Hall, the former Queen of the Dancehall-turned-evangelist and gospel singer, will distribute 1,000 blessed copies of the Holy Bible to patrons tonight.