It was a crowd that comprised mostly young adults and university students that was in attendance at the second staging of Sound Check last Thursday night inside Dubwise Café on Lady Musgrave Road.

Sponsored by Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum, the event saw entertaining sets from current sensation Armanii and members of the Stardom label — Sp!da, PinkFox, Jetti, and Zidii all backed by the Dub Squad Band.

Leading the charge was Clarendon-based PinkFox, who excited patrons with songs from his growing catalogue, including Rover and Style. He would later return for an amplified performance of Dirty Wine with Zidii and Jetti.

“To be honest with you, this was definitely my best performance and I enjoyed it. It’s funny that I was nervous at first when I was going on the stage and, based on the response from the patrons, I didn’t even want to come off the stage. The high point for me was when I finished the song and mi hear the crowd cheering, I loved that. It actually gave me a boost and opened my eyes,” PinkFox said in an interview with the Jamaica Observer post-performance.

He added: “I felt excited about performing at Sound Check. I’m glad I did it.”

With the YouTube and TikTok trending hit Better Person exposing her to a wide fan base, newcomer Sp!da delivered an impressive performance. When she sang Act Right, the crowd went wild.

“Tonight, the band played with me and it was great. It was good actually and I was so happy to hear everybody singing my songs — feels nice man, good energy,” said Sp!da.

Armed with Picture Perfect, Jetti was in command of the stage. He interacted with the females and maintained a professional composure throughout.

“Sound Check was one a dem big words deh — electric. It did bad. The energy did great, no lie. I was surprised at the reaction from the fans, because at one point I forgot the words to one of the songs and I just fed off the energy. Mi a do dis fi mi son,” Jetti disclosed.

Former Wolmer’s Boys’ student Zidii, who has been living in the United States since 2017, came out strong representing for the ladies. His chart-topping hit
Formula was well-received as the females sang along word for word.

He was pleased with the turnout of patrons at the event.

“It was good to see the turnout. Great performances, mi proud a everybody,” said Zidii, who said new songs and crossover material are about to be released.

Patrons gave the man-of-the-moment, Armanii, a hero’s welcome. The lanky deejay, who said he didn’t get to rehearse for the event, delivered a workmanlike performance which comprise his very own original material as well as covers of Chronixx’s Skanking Sweet and Christopher Martin’s Cheaters Prayer.

The hits Dunce Barbie, Bad Gal, Bubble, and the current chart-topper
Haad (Fiesta) were easily consumed by fans.

Armanii shared with fans that he became a father recently.

“Fatherhood has taught me a lot about maturity and how to be responsible,” he told the Jamaica Observer.

He also said that performing with a live band was something he always wanted to do.

“I always wanted to do an acoustic performance with a band, and when they reached out it was an instant yes, mi ready fi it,” said Armanii.

The former Kingston College student said he came to Sound Check to send a message.

“Is really to just send a new message that I am here to stay. I’m here, I am Armanii, and that is the message,” he said.

He continued, “Having the entire team on the stage tonight is all about loyalty and trust all built in one. A mi bredda dem and mi sister dat. Yea, dat is it.”

Sound Check is held on the third Thursday of the month. Singer Shaneil Muir is the featured act for July.