Despite several hiccups, the performers at the return of the Sashi Experience Festival at Plantation Cove in St Ann early Sunday morning delivered their best efforts.

Before the show officially kicked off, pockets of patrons who had lined up outside of the venue were informed that two of the headliners — Keyshia Cole and Busta Rhymes — would not be gracing the massive stage, as advertised, “due to unforeseen reasons”. However, once inside, attendees made the most of the festivities.

Thanks to Haitian rapper Wyclef Jean, who served as co-host, the ball got moving some time after midnight.

Bounty Killer delivered a riveting opening act, staying true to his typical high-energy persona. He had the crowd jumping to classics like Look Into My Eyes, Living Dangerously, Suspence, and The Lord Is My Light And My Salvation. The frowns that were on some of the faces of the restless patrons quickly turned into smiles and cheers as the “five-star general” connected with his people.

Another high point of the concert was the performance from American rapper Jadakiss. As one of the co-headliners, he had the crowd moving with a satisfying set, but his magic trick was inviting American singer-songwriter Ne-Yo on stage to serenade his female fan base with popular hits like Miss Independent and So Sick. Ne-Yo also took the opportunity to incorporate Vybz Kartel and Spice’s Ramping Shop — which was a sample of Miss Independent — in his presentation.

Wyclef Jean took a moment to acknowledge CEO of the festival Horatio Hamilton for the commendable work he has been doing for live entertainment.

“We love to talk about when black people are doing negative stuff, but we never like to talk about reform… give Sashi a round of applause,” he said.

Other performers at the concert included Denyque, Tifa, 10Tik, RajahWild, Najeeriii, Skeng, Kraff, Bayka, and Valiant.

Sashi, first held in 1999, was last staged in 2002. R&B singers Usher and Donell Jones, along with rappers Eve and Busta Rhymes, Tweet, Bling Dawg, TOK, Dawn Penn, Super Cat, and The John Shop Family were among the performers at the last staging of The Sashi Experience.

Other performers over the years include P Diddy, Next, Brian McKnight, Tyrese, Shabba Ranks, Snoop Dogg, Lil Kim, Ginuwine, and Missy Elliott.

The event in 2001 drew more than 15,000 patrons, according to a report in Billboardmagazine.

Ne-Yo onstage early Sunday morning at the Plantation Cove venue

American rapper Jadakiss

Bounty Killer gets things fired up.

Wyclef Jean talks with the Sashi crowd.

Patrons enjoy the Sashi experience. (Photos: Karl Mclarty)

Tifa electrifies the Sashi stage.