It wasn't about who performed better than who. In the spirit of the event dubbed "A Night of Strictly Culture" - all performances were accepted in good faith in the true Jamaican tradition. It was one gigantic wake - a celebratory jam-session really, on which all contributors displayed sincerity in tipping their hats to Joseph Hill, internationally acclaimed as Culture.

Perhaps the largest crowd ever in the history of the showground converged on the lawns of the Ranny Williams Entertainment Complex. Even with the Police Officers Club facility next door, there were parked cars stretching far along Hope Road in both directions.

Every local entertainer of significance participated, including those with other commitments elsewhere. Peter Lloyd, who had an engagement on the North coast, saw fit to perform a short stint (including Concrete Jungle) before leaving to fulfill that engagement. There was at least one overseas based artiste in the person of Anguilla's Bankie Banks.

Nadine Sutherland was the first repeat performer based on crowd demands. The soothing requiem, Pair Of Wings and its follow-up, Rastaman Chant, were met with cries for more from the the huge crowd.

Afrique Kenyatta Hill totally swept the crowd off its feet with the delivery of his father's hits. Though he was sans the full-length locks and colourful garb, his animation, stage mobility and diction were on target and at times unbelievable. He had the crowd roaring through each song. His performance was the clear high point.

The night also saw DJ godfathers Daddy U Roy, Big Youth, and, above all, Josey Wales rekindling their halcyon days. The Colonel, was definitely in command, setting the crowd on fire with well-placed jabs at feuding stars Beenie Man and Bounty Killer.

The fear factor

Feeding the multitude

DANGEROUS PETS