Mel Cooke, Freelance Writer
A model wears a design from Imege Wear at the FAME Road Party, held at Port Henderson Plaza, Port Henderson Road, Portmore, on Saturday. The event ended abruptly at 2:30 a.m. on Sunday. - WINSTON SILL/FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
FAME FM may have reached all of 22 years old, but on Saturday night got sent home early from its own celebratory party in Portmore, St. Catherine.
The police closed down the music that was beginning to seriously heat up a huge crowd that overflowed the large space before the Port Henderson Plaza, as well as its multiple levels, and lined both sides of the main road, at nearly 2:30 a.m. Sunday.
"Respect to the police officers," said Geefus of Stone Love, with Elephant Man's Gangster Rock on the turntables as the top sound system honoured the radio station.
The music continued briefly at its previous level, before the selector said, "We know what's going on. We know you are here behaving yourself. Everything now different. Officers are here, doing their job."
MUSIC TURNED DOWN
The music was turned down even as people started to drift away. One person, however, showed displeasure in the almost traditional way.
"De man whe trow da ting deh, no trow it. We no need do none a dat. We want FAME do over ting again," the selector said. And as people moved away en masse, a FAME representative said, "We have all been wonderful. We are not going to spoil it. Have a wonderful night, have a wonderful morning." The harmonies of Voicemail honouring 'Mr. Wacky' were turned up a bit to send the thousands home, the inevitable traffic jam coming as the walkers and drivers all left at the same time.
The birthday party had been really heating up just before the lock-off, Geefus telling the men that when a girl calls their phone they should not be "fraid fe answer". And Assassin's voice on the '85' rhythm informing "a no me mek yu catty waan stray" came over the speakers, the thousands singing the chorus.
LADIES' TURN
It was the ladies' turn next with Spice chanting, "Me a one girl me no fight over man", while those who may or may not have ever gone 'Roun De Rear' celebrated the following selection. Over Pincher's Desperate Scenario, Geefus asked for a signal from all of those who remembered eating banana and butter, dumpling and butter, and sugar and water. The hands went up and Baby Cham half-crooned "this is a survival story."
The street jam exploded. As it did when Beenie Man reminded that "Willie Haggart, well a him set de tren.'"
Then came Gangster Rock and the men, the undrinkable red stripes who often keep the gangsters rocking, rolling and running.
In the earlier segment, money was thrown on the stage for an eight-year-old boy dancer who attends Bridgeport Primary and a female model of Image Wear showed some leg, while her male counterpart bared his chest.
