Final leg of ROTA on Sunday

ROTA is Reggae on the Avenue, and it is arguably the best representative of an authentic dancehall party in Brooklyn, New York City.

It mimics Jamaica as a sort of outdoor/indoor street location and due to its summertime set-up, the ROTA party only happens for a few weeks during hot weather. This Sunday is the final party for the year and special guests will be chart-topping Jamaican legend Sizzla, alongside fresh breakout New Jersey dancehall artiste and multi-award winning performer Ras Emmanuel.

All the ROTA parties are hosted by MC Nuffy from Jamaica who brings his comedic style and his nuclear-like energy to the mid-size venue on Utica Avenue in Brooklyn. The location is one of New York’s best Caribbean restaurants and folks come early to eat, then stay to savour the dancehall.

Last Sunday was the eve of the Labour Day West Indian Carnival Parade in New York so revellers were out early and the venue was packed. The parties typically start with some of the best area talent. Ras Reuben, a New York-based Brooklyn artiste, did a brilliant job with opening the set, blending his own creations with a few Marley classics and the crowds loved him.

I must admit I never heard of the freshly minted dancehall diva called Goddess. Tall, thick, pretty and shapely, from central Kingston, her raw-as-eggs lyrics would make even the love Olympian Eros blush and tremble. The ladies screamed when the diva reprised her Wine Up lyrics. But the Goddess was only opening up the well-oiled dancehall space for Continent Boss Nigy Boy who guided the frenzied females to next level ecstasy with his smash singles Continent, Judgment and Karma. And for a little Labour Day redemption, Nigy also performed his latest single, The Goodness of God, a duet recorded with Canadian teen star Jazmin Headley. The crowd roared with thunderous approval.

The iconic Sizzla will undoubtedly bring his unique style to ROTA, armed with classic hits. And Ras Emmanuel who is enjoying widespread radio airplay with his Dancehall Forever chart-topper will surely infuse his gravity-defying dancehall moves to the closing 2024 season party. ROTA is located at Bellyful Restaurant, in Brooklyn and the party kicks off at 6 p.m.

entertainment@gleanerjm.com