A less-than-satisfying start to the long-awaited Streetz Festival threatened to leave a bad taste in the mouths of thousands of patrons who descended on the National Stadium car park on Saturday night.

With gates set to open from as early as 4:00 pm, scores of concert-goers arrived at the venue early only to be denied entry for hours as promoters scurried to ready themselves for the night’s proceedings. Dissatisfied, disgruntled, and visibly frustrated, irate patrons were permitted to enter the venue at minutes to 10:00 pm, hours later than the show’s scheduled start time.

The dreary mood, however, quickly dissipated as patrons, now inside the venue and party-ready, made use of the well-thought-out grounds layout. Old cars, zinc fences, and motorcycle backdrops synced perfectly with the party’s street theme. Partygoers, having donned their best street wear, took the opportunity to take photos with friends. Before long, the night’s slow start was a thing of the past.

The show kicked into high gear at approximately 11:00 pm when veteran reggae act, I-Wayne took the event’s culture stage. A new addition to the party’s format, the mini stage provided patrons an intimate prelude into what turned out to be an epic showcase from headliner Popcaan.

I-Wayne, staying true to his Rastafarian roots, blazed a fire that undoubtedly set the tone for the rest of the evening. Delivering songs such as Life Seeds, Living in Love, Book of Life, Need Her In My Arms, and of course his mega-hit single Can’t Satisfy Her, the singer had the crowd completely captivated.

It was particularly refreshing to see the event’s younger audience members tuned in to the veteran and giving him heavy forwards, a sign they thoroughly enjoyed his set. Whispers of, “A so dem man yah did bad?” spoke volumes as the Streetz demographic got a sweet taste of an act they were seemingly unaccustomed to experiencing in a live showcase.

Before I-Wayne graced the stage, the Dubwise Experience featuring Jason Panton and DJ Fatalic commanded the audience’s attention through some classic reggae selections and a short, sweet set courtesy of singer Chris Malachi.

The Chromatic crew also provided juggling making the event a masterful display of team effort.

The night literally soared to even more enjoyable heights when the main act made his entrance.

Air-bound, and dangling from a crane, Popcaan arrived on the main stage at approximately 1:00 am. Singing his popular track, Nothing Without God, the entertainer paid homage to his upbringing under the guidance of his Christian mother, Ms Rhona. The spectacle elicited heavy applause from the audience, who sang along as he was lowered to the stage.

Stamping his class on the event and sealing his place as one of dancehall’s most prolific acts, the “Unruly Boss” reeled out hit after hit from his expansive catalogue. Songs such as Inviolable, Everything Nice, Bank and God, and St Thomas Native had the crowd firing blanks into the early morning sky as a sign of satisfaction.

Offering words of encouragement and motivation, the entertainer urged the crowd to pursue their dreams relentlessly, as he is a testimony that hard work pays off.

“When yuh look pan Popcaan yuh see somebody weh been through the struggles, so any ghetto yout’ can do that,” he said before seguing into a rendition of his 2010 hit Dream.

“Dem song yah make me bawl inna real life eno,” the deejay continued as he reflected on his journey in dancehall.

The hits kept coming as the entertainer turned his attention to his large female following. Declaring that it will be a lifestyle moment for his ladies, the entertainer thrilled the ladies with songs such as Number Don’t Lie, My Type, Naughty Girl, Fall In Love, Addicted, and Toni-Ann Singh.

The Miss World made a surprise appearance as the two — once rumoured to be a couple — performed their collaboration, Next To Me. The cameo appearance injected a welcome softness into the show as the pair displayed on-stage chemistry.

Backing band Ruff Kutt added an extra layer to the performance as the bandmates matched the entertainer’s energy.

There were other guest performers that night as Popcaan gave the crowd a near-three-hour set. Inviting veterans, including Pinchers, Nitty Kutchie, and CP Ink to the stage, the entertainer paid homage to the forefathers in music.

The night also saw guest appearances from Iba Mahr, Chi Ching Ching, Xklusive, and many others. Popcaan even sprinkled some international flavour into the event when he called on rapper 21 Savage to deliver a brief set.

The entertainer ended his set on a high note with songs such as Firm and Strong and Family.

Natebadz, the entertainer’s younger brother, was also a part of the line-up, which included another cameo appearance from young dancehall act Najeeri.

Speaking with the Jamaica Observer following the show, I-Wayne congratulated Popcaan on his growth in the industry and shared that when the deejay reached out to him to be a part of the event, it was an immediate yes.

“Popcaan is like family eno, a brother. The vibe is positive, and so once it’s positive I have to be here to support. It’s a good vibration, and so we never even hesitate. Mi say, ‘Poppy a keep him thing, we ago support because a support fi support, because if me a keep a event inna the scheme or anything Poppy will pass through same way inna so its all love’,” he said.

Popcaan takes it to the audience.Karl Mclarty

Toni-Ann Singh shares the stage with Popcaan. They delivered their collab Next To Me. (Karl Mclarty)

Najeeri joins the on-stage action. Karl Mclarty

I-Wayne rules the culture stage. Karl Mclarty

British American artiste 21 Savage delivers to the local fans. Karl Mclarty

Popcaan brings the heat. Karl Mclarty

Boom Boom connects with the Streetz Fest crowd. Karl Mclarty

Natebadz gets his time at the mic. Karl Mclarty

Jr Chromatic Karl Mclarty

Nitty Kutchie Karl Mclarty

Pinchers Karl Mclarty

CP Ink Karl Mclarty

A section of the crowd at National Stadium car park for Streetz Festival on Saturday. Karl Mclarty