Dancehall fever grips Brooklyn
A PACKED house saw outstanding performances on Sunday’s closing night of the Caribbean Fever Irie Jamboree Music Festival.
The three-day event took place on Labour Day at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
A dancehall who’s who rocked the crowd — from Mr Easy who opened the show to Capleton who brought the curtains down.
I-Octane followed Mr Easy, scoring well with his signature hit Say Boom, as well as My Life, No Love Inna Dem, and Gal A Gimmi Bun.
Damian ‘Junior Gong’ Marley, joined by brothers Julian and Stephen, gave a rounded set which included Exodus, Set Up Shop, Road To Zion, It Was Written, Traffic Jam, and Shootout.
Midway his set, he invited Irie Jamboree pitchman Bobby Clarke on stage. Clarke got down on his knees and proposed marriage to his lady Syn Dawkins who accepted.
Appropriately, Gong segued into Affairs of The Heart as the couple sealed the moment with a kiss. For an encore, the Grammy winner performed the anthem Welcome to Jamrock.
Making what was billed as her last performance as a dancehall artiste, Lady Saw was typically outrageous.
She called on Beenie Man to do their hit song, Healing. Spragga Benz also joined her for an explicit stint that sent the crowd into a frenzy.
The highlight of Saw’s performance was her delivery of the burlesque hit Heels On, which saw her bringing audience members on stage.
Following her performance, DJ Chris Dubmaster presented Lady Saw with an Irie Jam Award for two decades of service to Jamaica’s music industry. Saw shared snippets of her soon-to-be-released gospel album before declaring, “God gave me a calling, but he didn’t give me a deadline.”
Shabba Ranks delivered a workmanlike set that found favour with hardcore dancehall fans. He did favourites like Just Reality, Shine Eye Gal, Peanie Peanie, and Roots and Culture. He was also honoured by Irie Jam Radio.
Appreciative fans held their cell phones and lighters aloft during Capleton’s 20-minute stay which saw him working an energetic medley with Shabba.
Among the personalities in the ‘house’ were rapper Busta Rhymes, actor Malik Yoba and New York City mayoral candidate Bill Thompson.
The preceding nights of Caribbean Fever Irie Jamboree Music Festival were dedicated to performers from the French and Eastern Caribbean.
