Queens, New York – Many fans at Groovin In The Park saw Minister Marion Hall on the billboard, but believed Lady Saw would show up here Sunday at Roy Wilikns Park.

They got a little of both, as the gospel deejay delivered a powerful 50-minute sermon that transformed the packed venue into an altar call by the time she ended her set with Freedom.

Sporting thigh-length braids and loose-fitting slacks, she declared that, “Wi bad inna Jesus name”. She also urged fans “nuh listen to nuh foolishness” about rumours she had returned to the dancehall.

Marion Hall was in charge for most of her performance but the feisty Lady Saw made intermittent cameos. The most glaring was a jab at Spice, who was billed for the show but withdrew days before, citing a previous engagement.

“Mi nuh come ya suh fi idle, mi nuh come yah suh fi nuh dancehall title! Mi come yah suh fi preach di gospel. Suh tell a bleach out duppy mi nuh frighten!” she railed.

Hall’s set was punctuated by personal testimonies of challenges she has faced since becoming a Christian eight years ago. Those challenges included being turned out of a home she was living “because people sey mi a work obeah”.

Dash wey mi Crown, Soon Alright and the sombre I’m Doing Better were a few of the songs she did that had the audience enthralled.

This is the first Groovin In The Park since 2019. Covid-19 forced cancelation of the event for the past four years.

Canadian singer Steel, the all-female band International Women in Reggae, Wayne Wonder, Frisco Kid, Tarrus Riley and R&B singer Charlie Wilson are also on the comeback edition of Groovin In The Park.