From “Fireman” Capleton to “Unruly Boss” Popcaan, the atmosphere between patrons and performers on night two of Barbados Reggae Weekend galvanised everyone involved for what was a high-energy, hit-filled event.

Dubbed “Showdown”, the night had a line-up of artists known for their dynamic performances, including Bajan performer Idea The Artist, who opened the show with smooth lyrics and a lively set, charging up the vibe.

He was followed up by Weather 40, General Degree, Capleton and headliner Popcaan to the delight of fans who screamed, jumped and blazed right along with them, as many had told Observer Online they would.

Bajan patron Kay, who said she was most interested in seeing Popcaan, noted that she has been to Barbados Reggae Weekend before. As for what keeps her coming back? “The vibes, the vibes, the vibes” she shared.

Another patron, who identified herself as Shanice, a “self-proclaimed Jamaican” flashed her bright red hair as she told the Observer who her pick of the night was.

“Obviously Capleton,” she said, adding, “Every year religiously [I’m here].”

For Shanice, the music is what keeps her coming back. “The reggae, as I am a self-proclaimed Jamaican,” she said with a laugh.

Meanwhile, Natalie from Trelawny, Jamaica, said she was out to see “Popcaan of course!”

Almost every fan praised Barbados Reggae Weekend for its vibe, highlighting not only the artistes but the feel of the event.

Veteran artiste General Degree told journalists that the energy he brought to the show, with his traditional witty hits, was calculated.

“I always think that the music is very important so you must take it like a job,” he said.

In sharing his thoughts on the evolution of the sound of dancehall since the 90s, he said: “I am up for changes, and I like some of the changes, not everything, some things. I like some of the new stuff, and I am on some of them too.”

He acknowledged that worldwide, not just in Barbados and Jamaica, there had been a type of shift in the content of the music as well, not just the sound.

Answering questions about the potential link between lyrical content and crime rates, he said: “In the 90s we used to say some stuff too, I just think there’s [been] a generation change everywhere…it is up to us, the musicians who know better, to do better and keep it back on track. It is not gonna be easy, but we can do it.”

He continued, “I think all we have to do is change the mood of the music…the vibration of the music has changed. It’s a low vibration going on, it might seem happy, nice, but spiritually its low, so we need to bring that back up.”

Capleton arrived on the stage, heralded by the traditional bursts of fire in a Barbados-blue lined outfit. Aamping up what was an already intense atmosphere, the Fireman had patrons screaming the lyrics to his 2003 hit Slew Dem and knocking tables and barriers as he shared not just music but a short monologue encouraging Bajans present to love themselves.

By the end of Capleton’s set, the standing room only field area was full, and when “unruly” signage began to flash on stage, fans took the energy from buzzing to extreme as Popcaan graced the stage.

The Jamaican’s set was described as “hit after hit” by one patron, who told the Observer she had been waiting to see “Poppy” for years.

There was never a silent moment in Popcaan’s set as patrons screamed lyrics along with the artiste for songs including I’m Feeling Nice and Party Shot.

While many of the patrons were die-hard fans and had a particular artist they were looking forward to, all performances were received with excitement.

In describing the show, one patron, Dale, simply said, “Dancehall cyaa stall!”

Barbados Reggae weekend continues on Sunday with the final show of the weekend, Reggae in the Gardens, which is set to feature International superstar Fantasia, alongside Dexta Daps, D’Yani and others. Dancehall artiste 450 is also expected to make an appearance after missing his Saturday night performance.

READ: 450 set to appear at Barbados Reggae Weekend finale after missing Saturday show — promoters

Capleton performs on night two of Barbados Reggae Weekend. (Photo: Dana Malcolm)

Popcaan performs on night two of Barbados Reggae Weekend. (Photo: Dana Malcolm)