NOT withstanding the shocking elimination of Shaneil Muir and Frass Groovas, Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall competition saw great performances from the remaining eight contestants. The event was held at D’Entrance on Constant Spring Road, St Andrew, last Saturday.

The eight are: princesses Clymaxx, Mizza Bling, Mystery P and Mi Ya Estro; and princes Zigma, Accid, Skillarchy and Shemdon.

Zigma opened the evening’s performance section and declared a Lyrical War. Accid had the audience in a frenzy when he merged the catch phrases of resident judges Miss Kitty and Professor Nuts to create Lalala Rugguh. Skillarchy smoothly delivered Work Fi Wah Mi Waah, while St Ann native Shemdon gave a good showing with Nuh Tump Inna Face.

For the princesses, the segment began with Where I Am From from Clymaxx, who received high marks from guest judge Tifa. Clarendon native Mizza Bling announced that her Head Sick and even challenged judge Skatta Burrell, who had given her set a grade of 50 per cent. The crowd also loudly disagreed with him.

“The competition a boil down now, so we just say ‘war’,” declared Mizza Bling after her performance. “If is vote make you win the competition, and lyrics, style, and tactics, mi cyaah lose. Crown haffi guh a May Pen.”

Mystery P’s raspy deejay style captured the judges with Rich, and received one of the biggest crowd responses of the evening. Mi Ya Estro, with her signature blue hair in rollers, sang about Hungry Days. Her market apron costume and mackerel and rice props took her performance over the edge.

Eliminated contestant, Muir, who hardly ever had a bad performance week, capped off her Magnum journey with her tribute to her community Flankers with True Story. She thanked everyone, including the other contestants, who supported her during the contest.

Frass Groovas said his elimination was also surprising, but he is ready to take his music to the world.

“I see myself working with some of the contestants and the producers that I have met during the show,” he said.

The avant-garde fashion showcase was presented by TL District with 21-year-old self-taught designer Cassidie-Joelle Ocean.