By Adrian Frater, News EditorWESTERN BUREAU:
THE SINGERS-dominated package of Friday night's staging of 'Reggae Sumfest 2003' should remain a cherished memory for the reggae fans who were present.
The audience had the distinction of seeing a dazzling Beres Hammond, the awesome Sizzla and a commanding Buju Banton at their lyrical best.
Even the most demanding fans must have left the Catherine Hall Entertainment Centre in Montego Bay, St. James, completely satisfied. In addition to the three big guns, the audience was also treated to stellar performances from a refreshing Wayne Wonder, Warrior King, Bushman, Iley Dread, Mackie Conscious and Turbulence, who worked a neat introductory set for Sizzla.
While Beres Hammond, who came nattily attired in a white outfit and his trademark black cap, clearly had the attention of the fans if one were to judge each performer's brilliance solely on crowd response, it was the mature-sounding Sizzla that created the biggest impact.
Minus the usual flag-waving 'bobo' entourage, Sizzla took the stage at precisely 3:30 a.m. and supported by a fireworks display, he immediately had the fans in a dancing frenzy as he opened with Praise Ye Jah. The excitement intensified as he switched easily between old and new sings, belting out the likes of Why Should I, Simplicity and Smoke the Herb.
At various intervals, Sizzla took his customary potshots at local politicians, world leaders and homosexuals. He, however, declared the virtues of love and a sound education.
It was hit after hit in Beres Hammond's set, which lasted just under an hour. It was all screams from the ladies as he mesmerised with One Dance, Tempted to Touch, Double Trouble and They Gonna Talk.
In an encore segment, which saw him belting out Come Down Father and other songs, the fans were given a special treat when reggae queen Marcia Griffiths, elegantly attired in red and black, joined Beres on-stage for a one-song combination.
It was Buju Banton who closed the show. He opened with, Mr. 45 and went on to dazzle with songs such as, Destiny and Hills and Valleys. After swinging through a delightful medley of early hits, which included, B- Rider, Browning and Black Woman, he made sure the fans left the venue happy, giving them Murderer and Babylon Throne as his parting shots.
While probably not as hot as the big three, Warrior King's performance won him a great deal of admiration. After holding his own on songs such as Pagans, Breath Of Fresh Air and Jah Is Always There, he invited his 'empress' to join him on-stage. After declaring that she was his inspiration, he held her hands and knelt before her and sang Virtuous Woman to her.
On any other day, the gifted Wayne Wonder, who treated the fans to his full collection and Iley Dread, who shared his stint with Lady Saw and Jonah, could easily have stolen the spotlight. However, it was not any other day and on Friday the night just simply belonged to Sizzla, Buju Banton and Beres Hammond.
