“WORDS cannot describe how it feels to be on this stage in front of you, Jamaica,” were the remarks uttered by ‘African Giant’ Burna Boy as he hit the stage at the National Stadium in St Andrew minutes after midnight on Monday.

“This feels like a homecoming. This feels like a long-lost brother coming to see his long-lost brothers and sisters. This is amazing, and I can’t begin to thank each and every one of you for coming out,” the Nigerian superstar continued, much to the delight of the thousands who travelled from near and far to see him on the Jamaican leg of his Love, Damini world tour.

His entrance was anti-climatic as there was no formal introduction due to ongoing technical difficulties which peeved patrons throughout the evening. It was unclear why the sound was inconsistent, which angered the likes of dancehall artiste Popcaan who had stormed off stage during his set due to the issue before returning minutes later when it was temporarily remedied.

Nonetheless, when the highly anticipated main act — Burna Boy — touched the stage, all cellphone lights were activated and deafening screams echoed through the stadium.

“Even though we had some technical difficulties, we not gonna pay that no mind,” he said.

For My Hand, Location, On The Low, Bank On It, Ye and Jerusalema were just some of the singles rendered with the help of multiple backup singers and a backing band which also comprised of several percussionists.

The entertainer promised a night of unexpected treats, two of which were cameo performances with Serani on Secrets, and the headliner and Popcaan on Toni-Ann Singh.

According to Burna Boy, collaborating with Serani was a childhood dream of his.

“When I was 16, or 15 or 14, or something like that, I used to be in London and I’d go to the barbershop every time and they’d play this song: ‘Love you girl, do you feel the same? I don’t wanna play games’. I knew I had to work with him one day,” he said, referring to Serani’s 2008 classic No Games.

The cherry on top was Burna Boy’s profession of love for Jamaica and the connection that his home country has with the island.

“Jamaica, man! Me and you have so much history but you don’t even know. I’m here tonight to jog your memory and make you understand that as you see me, I come from the far place — Port Harcourt, Nigeria — but I’m still Jamaican and you’re all Nigerian so it’s only right I’m here tonight, and I feel so blessed and honoured,” he expressed sincerely.

His almost two-hour set concluded with the crowd favourite, Last Last.

Earlier in the evening songstress Lila Iké delivered a soulful performance, admitting that it was her first time performing for such a large crowd in Jamaica.

The Manchester native spoke of her beginnings while she brought Protoje out and stated: “When I had nothing this man believed in me and said ‘Lila, you have power.’

“Oh gosh! I’m at the National Stadium. Mommy, can you see me now,” Lila Iké added while basking in the moment.

The highlight of Popcaan’s set was when he invited Miss World 2019 Toni-Ann Singh to join him to perform Next To Me. The two embraced each other, with the Unruly Boss planting a kiss on the cheek of his rumoured beau and declaring, “Mi love yuh!”

He also invited reggae legend Beres Hammond to bless the audience with the single God Is Love.

Despite the hiccups, the concert scored perfect marks in the eyes of some patrons.

“Burna Boy is out of this world. I am glad I made the sacrifice to be here,” said accounting clerk Sheri Jones.

Banker Mark Wright also told the Observer that the show exceeded his expectations.

“Everybody did so well! Poppy, Lila and, of course, Burna did what they had to do. It was exceptional,” he said.