A tribute to enigmatic producer Dave Kelly was the toast of Reggae Sumfest at Catherine Hall Entertainment Centre in Montego Bay, St James, on July 23.

The well-received set featured a cast of heavyweights — Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, Cham, Spragga Benz, Frisco Kid, Wayne Wonder, and Mr Easy.

The audience roared its approval as the first chords of 1980s/1990s rhythms, including Medicine, Showtime, Bruk Out, Fiesta, Haunted, Stink, Murderation, Joyride, and Bounce, became audible. Then once the deejays began putting their signature stamp on those melodies, the excitement grew louder and more palpable.

Forever the showman, Beenie Man and his three costume changes was in great form as he dropped a slew of hits including Itsy Bitsy, Ole Dog, Wickedest Slam, and Fassy Dem Nuh Like Me.

Bounty Killer unpacked his Dave Kelly catalogue which includes Eagle and Hawk, Can’t Believe Mi Eyes, Anytime Mi Hungry, Poor People Fed Up, Wukless Bwoy, and Look Into My Eyes. All received approval from the thousands of fans in the park.

One of the acts closest to Dave Kelly is Cham, and his hits also went over very well with the audience. Tracks such as Vitamin S, Many Many, Ghetto Story, Another Level, and Joyride were a key part of his presentation.

It was the same for Frisco Kid’s Rubbers and Little and Cute; Hypocrite and Parasite, and Step Inna Yuh Face from Spragga Benz; Wayne Wonder’s Searching and Bounce Along; and Strange Things are Happening from Mr Easy.

At one point Spragga Benz tried to bring the reclusive Kelly to the stage but was unsuccessful.