On Sunday, New Kingston belonged to Stand Out — The Block Concert as thousands turned out to the free Red Stripe Bold -sponsored event.

The highly anticipated concert started off approximately 6:00pm with excited selections from some of dancehall finest sound selectors including those from Coppershot, Renaissance and DJ Liquid. However the party fever would heighten half an hour later as adults 18 and older, were treated to loads of complimentary servings of Red Stripe Bold.

Minutes later came the deafening screams from the fans of dancehall artiste I-Octane. The artiste could do no wrong throughout his 15 minutes set delivering hits such as Mama yu Alone, Best From West, Lose a friend, poverty among other singles. Tarrus Riley delivered well and half way through his set called onstage Konshens to perform their hit single Good Girl Gone Bad.

Baby Cham stand gave a stand out performance delivering a fiery 20-minute-set that includes hits such as Ghetto Story, Babylon Bwoy, Funny man among to name a few. Much to the delight of the thousands of excited dancehall fans Cham was joined on stage by Mr Cross, Angry, Miserable, Bounty Killer. The duo performed their hot collaborations Another level and Stronger. This was a breathtaking moment for some dancehall fans as it was their first that they had saw the two acts perform alongside each other for almost 10 years.

Not even the heavy downpour could prevent Lady Saw’s Steamy performance. The dancehall diva once again proved why she was the ‘muma’ of dancehall. “Mi still hot even in mi forties” she says after spitting out the lyrics including the ladies favourite I’ve got your Man.

It was near 9:00 pm when the Stand Out headliner Vybz Kartel took centerstage. As expected the artiste was a hit especially among the rain soaked female fans as they gyrated to his every lyrics. The ‘gaza king’ later called on stage his protégés Shawn Storm and Pop Caan.

— Simone Morgan