“A really Ken Boothe a come up or a trick dem a trick wi,” one patron in the crowd commented at Stars R Us held on Saturday at Mas Camp after MC Camille announced that the energetic performer would be taking the stage next. Seeing it was not a figment of his imagination and witnessing first-hand the singer launching into his Freedom Street complemented by some fancy footwork he exclaimed, “A him fi true, what a man fit, him a di real big man!”

His words were not overrated as Ken Boothe blasted his way onto the stage, worked a full set, dancing and singing up a storm, his silky smooth voice caressing the ears of listeners as they rocked away to classics such as Silver Words, Just Another Girl, When I Fall In Love and Artibella. By the time he made his exit, he left behind a totally satisfied crowd.

Ken Boothe wasn’t the only one that had the Mas Camp massive captivated — as good as he was. Singer George Nooks who was not billed for the show ‘passed through to show his love’ and he did that in fine style.

He made his entrance on stage with the crowd favourite Riding For A Fall, followed by Left With A Broken Heart…by the time he went into the song that sat on local and international chart for weeks Standing By, he had the crowd totally captivated. So much so that they demanded an encore, which saw him giving them How Great Though Art.

Errol Dunkley gave a command performance and he could do no wrong for the entertainment hungry crowd who sang along to numbers such as Movie Star, Black Cinderella and You Gonna Need Me. But it was his chart topping Ok Fred that generated the most response from the crowd.

Advertised to start at 9:00 the show did not get underway until 10:34 pm with backing band Lloyd Parks and We the People taking centrestage.

Daddy Shark and Ranking Trevor ignited the crowd with their Sugar Minott tribute. “We a guh represent Sugar tonight,” stated Ranking Trevor before launching into one of the late singer’s songs.

The lone female on the bill Karen Smith was not outclassed in any way. She effortlessly eased into her routine, her crystal clear voice rang out through the Mas Camp venue as she treated her fans to a cabaret style performance. It was an added treat when she performed her ‘favourite Sugar Minott’ song Good Thing Going, before taking the massive down memory lane with a medley of festival favourites such as Intensified, Move Up (Festival Time) and Unity.

Derrick Harriot scored with numbers such as What Can I Do, Checking Out, Skin To Skin and Solomon.

Stars R Us patrons received a surprise treat in the form of Sugar Minott’s children taking the stage, Lincoln Jnr, Pashon and Ashanti showed the Minott legacy is in safe hands. “Mi a carry on di legacy fi daddy,” she promised before launching into Mr DC.

The Mighty Diamonds started off well, but floundered along the way. For a group with years of experience under their belt, they should have mastered the art of reading the crowd’s language. They erred badly with Manhattans’ There’s No Me Without You as they ‘dragged out’ the song each trying to outdo the other as they demonstrated their vocal range. “Do you want more?” they asked to a resounding “no!” from the crowd.

Ignoring the crowd’s rejection they launched into the hit song Pass The Kutchie which proved to be redemption of sorts as the crowd showed them some love for this one.

Following Ken Boothe and Errol Dunkley it was time for the John Holt who brought the curtains down on Stars R Us.

Missing from the advertised performers without any rendered explanations were Gregory Isaacs, Little John and Dennis Walks.

George Nooks had the crowd captivated

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Errol Dunkley gave a command performance

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Karen Smith held her own