New York:

Over 36,000 reggae-loving patrons from as far as England, Canada, Dominica and Japan packed the Roy Wikins Park, Queens for the annual Irie Jamboree two Sundays ago.

However, this year it was different.

Not only were patrons on hand to enjoy reggae artistes but to celebrate the Caribbean's performance at the recent Beijing Olympics.

Large video screens recreated the experience of the record races by Usain 'Lighting' Bolt, Shelly-Ann Frazer and Melaine Walker. And, the crowds went wild.

Representing Jamaica's athletes were Aleen Bailey, Chelsea Hammond and Bert Cameron who were at a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Media/VIP Tent earlier in the day to honour Bolt and Veronica Campbell-Brown.

At 9 p.m., MC Jabba of Hot 97 & Irie Jam announced that Mavado would be performing which signalled an end to a six-month ban from the US.

His act was well received. Waving flags and flashing lighters greeted the 'Gully God' as he launched into his catalogue of hit songs including Gully Side, Gangster For Life and On The Go (Faster Than Bullet).

Doctor's hit songs

Then came the 'Doctor'.

He pranced onto the stage and had the crowd in a 'tizzy' as he went through his hit songs.

Elephant Man, who came dressed in a USA and Jamaican flag colours, had the audience moving with tracks like Gully Creppa, Signal The Plane and the popular Nuh Linga which he dedicated to Olympic superstar Usain Bolt.

The top performer, however, was Coco Tea who glided through some of his songs including Rocking Dolly, Riker's Island, I Lost My Sonia and Good Life. He captivated the crowd with every track he delivered including 'Barak Obama' dedicated to Illinois Senator and Democratic Presidential candidate.

Sizzla, King Yellowman and Tarrus Riley also performed.

Among the guests were Congresswoman Yvette Clarke; and her mother Una Clarke; former West Indies cricketer Courtney Walsh; Kerri-Ann Wright, Miss Jamaica/USA 2008; Val Cuffe; and Sobers Esprit, executives of the Dominica Festival Commission as well as DJ Capleton.