LINSTEAD and surrounding communities were treated to exciting live performances Sunday evening at the Galiday Bounce show, held at Dinthill Technical High School.

It was a welcome change to the rural St Catherine towns which have been affected by violence in recent months.

Although Sizzla Kalonji and Busy Signal were no-shows, patrons got their money’s worth from Ninjaman, Bounty Killer, Beenie Man, Konshens, Popcaan, Konshens and Aidonia.

When MC Beetle Bailey announced Ninjaman, the expectant audience drew closer to the stage and the salutes were almost deafening. The self-proclaimed ‘Original Don Gorgon’ took lyrical shots at Sting boss Isaiah Laing and deejay Gully Bops, but excited fans with a spontaneous set.

Khago, Tony Curtis, Teflon, Chuck Fenda and hometown son Iba Mahr delivered well. The show was also an avenue for up-and-coming acts like Gala Wasp, Sugar Bear and Dani.

Galiday Bounce peaked as dawn approached. Shortly after Bounty Killer emerged, organisers instructed security to remove the barriers separating the VIP section from the general area.

Fans outside the venue were also able to see the last hour of the show.

After performing hits like Who Send Dem and Magnum, Bounty Killer was joined by Beenie Man. Their appearance drew sustained applause.

Things heightened when Popcaan, Aidonia and Konshens joined them and gave fans from the troubled communities a fitting finale.

Among those fans was 34-year-old Glenroy Evans.

“This is really a good example. I am proud of the deejays. A few years ago, a lot of who are onstage were enemies and from different camps. The youths idolise these entertainers, so it’s good when everyone can unite like this and show their fans that they are all one,” he told the Jamaica Observer.

— Simone Morgan