MONTEGO BAY, St James — The 2010 Reggae Sumfest fever was ignited on Saturday night here at Cornwall Beach where the musical festival, dubbed ‘the greatest reggae show on earth’, kick-started with a pulsating beach party.

The event reached a crescendo by the time MC Miss Kitty introduced the closing act, 2009 Digicel Rising Stars winner Brown Suga, who headlined the show. The home-grown girl who reported in beach attire, wasted no time in removing the beach scarf which was wrapped around her swim suit and delved into her still-building repertoire to entertain her fans.

Brown Suga had no problem connecting with the patrons as she ripped through Unknown Voices, Hopeless, Glue, and a number of cover versions.

The 2010 Magnum Queen, Bumper also scored with the crowd as she eased through Chatty Mouth Boy, No get Pay Yet, She a Ali Button and No Beaten.

Also on the bill were comedians Ity and Fancy Cat who had the patrons in stitches.

The reggae festival got off on a high note with the 10 finalists in the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) Popular Festival Song Contestants strutting their stuff, as they sought to woo voters during performances of their entries.

Meanwhile, during the segment in which performers were allowed one selection, Notorious Soul to Soul, Fatal Flair and Mixing Lab were on target.

The Bare Essentials Band filled the gap during interludes and was well received; so too was sound system, Danger Zone.

(Photos: Alan Lewin)