THIRTY-SIX Hope Road came alive last Saturday night as the 11th staging of the popular series Fanatic took over the venue, leaving patrons drenched from non-stop dancing and excitement.

The main highlights, aside from the performers onstage, were the musical sets delivered by a high cadre of DJs, who took patrons, comprising mostly tertiary students as well as young adults, on a joyride.

DJ Mac and Baba, Fyahman and Vinchi, Kevi the Kinetic and Zess, DJ Zacky, Deva Kidd, and rising female newcomer Ziza were in good form as they dished out hit after hit.

But it was the performance that most had been waiting for that took the event to higher decibels. Hot dancehall artiste Malie Donn ran unchecked as he reeled off
Van Cleef, V6, and other songs in an abbreviated set that sent patrons scurrying to find space at the front of the stage.

Eddy G Bomba, Merkz (who is currently riding high with Retard, Rich MF with Feloni19, and 11am in Ochi), and Ymo G also delivered good sets.

Justin Campbell, a member of CNA Entertainment, promoters of Fanatic, was pleased with the turnout and vibes at the event.

“Yes, we are definitely pleased with the turnout; it completely exceeded out expectations. Every performance went as planned, security was on point, the fireworks, everything was on time and planned well,” Campbell told the
Jamaica Observer’s Splash post-event.

Ymo G.

Fanatic was first held four years ago.

Bradley Wright, another member of CNA Entertainment, recalled how the name of the event was coined.

“Back in 2022 we heard the introduction to a song where they mentioned the word fanatics, and that name just resonated with us,” said Wright.

Christian Gordon, another member of CNA Entertainment, said his team members were impressed with the performances delivered by the artistes on the line-up.

“Ymo G was impressive and we are glad that many of his supporters attended the event and sang along to his songs. Merkz also performed extremely well and carried Feloni19 onstage to perform their hit single. However, Malie Donn, our headliner, took the win, as he had a viral and game-changing performance. His performance is all over social media right now,” said Gordon.

According to Campbell, a lot of work went into putting the event together.

“The background work was a simplified process as we have grown accustomed to the areas of planning, given our experience. We assigned roles to each team member and abided by strict timelines, having contingency plans in place as well. The fireworks during Malie Donn’s performance were in honour of America’s 4th of July celebrations. It was only right that we set off the fireworks at the most-anticipated moment, during Malie’s performance,” Campbell shared.

Eddy G Bomba.

Wright said the feedback from patrons about Malie Donn’s performance (his first public performance in Kingston for some time) has been positive.

“We have been receiving non-stop congratulations and positive reviews, with many saying this is the best party of the year. His performance was nothing short of iconic. This was also probably the best artiste line-up many have seen at an event for a while,” he said.

Rude Boy, Str8 Vybz Rum, Jambarz, Red Bull, Legend Beer, and True Colours were some of the sponsors of Fanatic.

The next staging of Fanatic is scheduled for October 16. This will be the first time that the event is being held outside of Kingston.

Said Campbell: “Our next staging is October 16 in Ocho Rios at Plantation Cove for Republic Weekend. Patrons should come out and support as this is a collaboration of two major vibrant brands in Jamaica, Republic and Fanatic, as well as two additional international brands. This is also the best value that a weekend has to offer.”

Malie Donn.