JAPANESE dancehall deejay Rankin Pumpkin became the first foreign act to grace the stage at Jacob’s Place Restaurant and Lounge at King’s Plaza in St Andrew on Tuesday night. And she did so in fine style, winning the hearts of patrons at the free, live music, weekly event.

“In 1979 Bob Marley introduced reggae to Japan and it is my pleasure to perform for you in this beautiful place of Kingston,” Rankin Pumpkin greeted her audience. She then segued into a delightful performance which had everyone reaching for their smartphones to capture the moment during her renditions of Money Root Of All Evil, Mi Nuh Mix Up Inna Babylon, Bun Reappa Man (Dem A Cannibal), Duppy Bat, and Dem Vex.

Show promoter Mike Whitelocke took the opportunity to pay tribute to her as a welcome addition to the melting pot of country’s diverse cultural landscape.

“We are trying to bind the world, bringing the nations together. Jamaica is the capital of the world, for out of many we are one,” said Whitelocke.

The evening saw each performer lifting their hats to Rankin Pumpkin during their sets. They included Countryman, whose entertaining stint of Willow Tree, Love Has Found Its Way, My Lady Love went over well with the audience. So too Emanuel Chin’s set of Movie Star, Walk Away From Love, Waiting In Vain, and Should I.

Singing Bird began his performance with a commanding presentation of the National Anthem before getting down with soulful selections like She’s A Lady, Love Me Forever, Want You Back For Love and much more.

Other entertaining acts were Kyah Omega with Love Energy; Sasique with Frozen and Mi Try; Jah Peter with Love Is What We Need and Mighty Redeemer; Kush Bashan with She Nice and Mi Deh Yah; Shivaun Rufus with a delightful take on At Last; and saxophonist Sarah Tobias’s instrumental version of Street Lights.