By Nathelie Taylor, Staff ReporterTHOUSANDS OF revellers packed into the National Stadium car park last Sunday to be treated to high-level entertainment as the Supreme Ventures Jamaica Carnival Road March came to a resounding end.
From a touch of classicism by violinist Mark Stephenson to deejaying skills by selectors Leftside and Esco, this'after party' was exciting.
The highlight, of course, was the appearance of Beenie Man and Bounty Killer who cemented their recently renewed friendship with a sizzling performance. Accompanied on stage by a number of other popular artistes and their usual countless entourage, the two top deejays exhibited friendly rivalry.
Following a medley of tunes alongside fellow deejays Bling Dawg, Kip Rich, Predator and Wayne Marshall, Beenie and Bounty launched into a tirade of '90s songs, songs they had once used to lyrically attack each other. This time though, those stinging words flowed smoothly and without malice.
The patrons loved every minute of the groups' performance, a set that was laced with raunchy lyrics, hilarious dancing and a whole lot of excitement. Whistles and cheers rang loudly through the venue and the women, especially, could barely contain themselves as they screamed and scrambled to get a better view of their sometimes-hated but oftentimes-loved artistes.
Favourites such as Red, Red, Red, World Dance, Fed Up and More Gal slid easily into each other, keeping patrons dancing and singing for at least 20 minutes. Those lucky enough to be backstage after the artistes exited the stage, eagerly rushed them for pictures and autographs.
The Gleaner was able to catch up with 'The Doctor', who was pleased to have performed with Bounty Killer, and reiterated that he and 'The Killer' have really put aside their differences.
DANCEHALL AND REGGAE
Oscar B and Roger George brought back soca to the event after the Beenie/Bounty-led group left the stage. Hits like Insane and Turn Me On blazed through an already heated venue. But this was the last time soca was to be played as dancehall and reggae ruled the rest of the evening.
A tense moment almost spoilt the fun a little after 5 p.m. A fight in the crowd triggered an incident which lead to the iron barricades (separating crowd from stage) being knocked over and a number of patrons being stepped on. Fortunately the marshals and other security personnel quickly re-established control.
Kudos must also be given to the selecting duo of Raz and Biggy, who it seemed deliberately played a number of Bob Marley's soul-stirring songs immediately after the incident. A mellow vibe returned as soon as Natural Mystic boomed through the venue and patrons sang along to others like 'One Love' and 'Three Little Birds'.
