WESTERN BUREAU:
The Catherine Hall multipurpose stadium in Montego Bay was ignited with excitement on Monday as patrons danced and sang the night away at the annual Reggae Sumfest Street Dance. Music was delivered by some of Jamaica’s hottest selectors, with the likes of DJ Johnny Kool, Montego Bay’s very own DJ Jigga and Dexta Peppa, and DJ Lollipop playing some of the hottest local and international tunes.
DJ Jigga’s set brought a nostalgic vibe to excited dancehall fans, who danced and rocked to hits like Holiday by Ding Dong, Elephant Man’s Gangsta Rock and Willie Bounce, Wacky Dip by Voicemail and Ding Dong, among many more.
Patrons were further fêted with performances by Laden, Blaize Shell, Young Wild Apache, and Saturn. It was Laden’s first time performing in Montego Bay since his April 2023 release from prison, and he told The Gleaner that it was a thrilling feeling to set foot on a stage in the Second City.
“It is always a pleasure doing what I love and getting the feedback from the audience. As you can see, I sing some songs that they love,” said Laden, whose set ended with his hit song Time to Shine.
With time winding down to Reggae Sumfest’s festival nights, American patrons, Ashley Smallwood, and her husband Eric Lopez, were beaming with excitement to attend the events for a second consecutive year.
“My husband is a huge fan of Reggae Sumfest. It’s really nice. I really like it. Everybody is really friendly, and the music is really great. We are looking forward to both festival nights,” Smallwood said when The Gleaner caught up with her on Monday night. Lopez said that he is waiting impatiently for performances by Capelton and Nigy Boy.
Also in attendance at Monday night’s Street Dance were International content creators and couple, Ling and Lamb.