Rasbert Turner, Gleaner Writer
PHOTO BY RASBERT TURNER-
I-Wayne, in performance at Reggae in the Hills.
SPANISH TOWN, St. Catherine:
THE SIXTH staging of Reggae in the Hills, Harkers Hall, St. Catherine on Saturday, December 25, saw several of the announced acts not turning up for the event. Among those not performing were Beenie Man, Gregory Isaacs, Chuck Fender and Charlie Chaplin.
The event which was promoted by Black Roots Promotion saw a small crowd turning out at the Harkers Hall Centre. The event got off to a very late start at midnight when Master of Ceremony, Winston Williams called the first act on stage. Those who were dosing under the light of the moon moved closer to the front of the stage and were treated to a luke-warm performance from Prince Ranny, a Rastafarian.
MUSICAL ENERGY
It wasn't until Eddie Fitzroy took the stage at about 2:30 a.m. that there was a spark of musical energy to warm the people that were now trembling from the cold, fresh breeze blowing heavily across the hills. In his unique way the now dreadlocked Fitzroy launched into Princess Black and a host of other tunes which were well received. After a while he called on John Wayne who gave a good account of himself until he forgot that he was only invited, and then kept using profanities, oblivious to the small children who lined the front of the stage.
After a brief segment during which the ladies were represented it was time for the real stars of the night. I-Wayne graced the stage at 3:30 a.m. and started with a song about women who terminate their pregnancies for the 'bling'. The crowd erupted into a frenzy and he pulled up and restarted several times, chanting 'lava, more fire'. He segued into Nuffi Bleach which was also well received. The massive got a further taste of the talented artiste's repertoire when he launched into 'fire pon a nasty panel', a social commentary about children who are allowed to watch X-rated channels and soap operas. He also gave a masterful rendition of his monster hit, Satisfy Her.
There were also performances from Errol Dunkley, Frankie Paul, Bunny Brown, and a host of aspiring entertainers. At the end of the show several patrons complained bitterly about the non-appearance of the show's announced acts, the show's saving grace being I-Wayne's performance.
