It is clear that deejay Beenie Man was having a good time during his performance at Reggae Fever in Montego Bay, on Saturday night, as he took time out to watch the patrons having a ball during his set. - photos by Adrian Frater

Western Bureau:

While the promoter might have been left smirking because of the low turnout, Saturday night's Reggae Fever, in Montego Bay, was a blast, as fans were sumptuously fêted musically with dazzling lyrics by the likes of Beenie Man, his estranged wife, D'Angel, Ninja Man, Capleton and Vybz Kartel.

In fact, the overall quality of the show was so good that a solid case could also be made for the likes of Anthony B, Romain Virgo, Major Lloyd, Fire Lion, George Nooks and House of Leeds recording star Iyahblazze, who all delivered high-quality performances that found favour with the fans.

Beenie Man, who quickly endeared himself to the fans with his charisma, was quite generous in his musical offering, digging deep into his hit-filled catalogue to ensure that his fans got what they wanted. However, it was clear that like Ninja Man and Vybz Kartel, Beenie Man was testing his state of readiness for Friday night's Sting at Jamworld in Portmore.

It was all delight as Beenie Man, who shared his set with several artistes, including Montego Bay deejay Little Beelah and his baby son, rolled sweetly through songs such as Memories, Wickedest Slam, Old Dog, Back It Up, Tic Tac and Dude, which had his legion of female fans screamingin delight.

Sharing stint

Vybz Kartel, who shared his stint with members of his Portmore Empire, left no doubt that he was ready to battle all and sundry at Sting as he openly issued a challenge to the Bounty Killer-led Alliance, especially his nemesis Mavado. His songs War Me a War Dem and Se Me Step Out Deh, were clearly aimed at his musical enemies.

Interestingly, Beenie Man, who hailed Vybz Kartel as the best deejay that has emerged in the last seven years, introduced him to centre stage to close the show and later joined him onstage as biting lyrics flowed in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Ninja Man, whose stint was highlighted by a hilarious, but highly lyrical, clash with popular Montego Bay police and deejay, Winston 'Chawfine' Campbell, made it absolutely clear that he would not be taking any prisoners at Sting. Declaring he was ready for all-comers, he stated "Me bury and tomb Merciless already so a time we tek out Beenie Man and Bounty Killer now."

The lanky D'Angel, clad in full black, was like a calculated assassin as she waxed sweetly; confidently reeling off lyrics and leaving no doubt that she belonged among the dancehall heavyweights. It was all composure as she delivered songs such as Blaze, Stronger, Downtown Girl and the powerful, Angel Mi Name, clearly earning the admiration of all and sundry as she masterfully delivered each song.

Anthony B and Capleton both lived up to their fire messenger status, hitting out against society's vices while delivering quality entertainment. Anthony B, who shared his set with the lyrical Little Twitch, sparkled with songs such as, Squeeze Her, Good Cop, Raid the Barn and Bad From Long Time; while Capleton, who earned an encore, had the crowd in a frenzy with Tun It Up, Small World, Slew Dem, Jah Protect Me and Woman Me Lotion.

Iyahblazze, who has been generating much interest on the local entertainment circuit, continues to impress with his thought-provoking lyrics. He was well on top of his game as he impressed with songs such as, I Know, No Heart for the Poor, Rasta Fe Clean and the popular At The Movies, which had the fans screaming their approval.

Mobay's fire lion

Montego Bay's Fire Lion and Major Lloyd, both fresh from tours of Canada and the United States, warmed the hearts of their fans with classy sets. Fire Lion, who shared his set with deejay Okonko, was red hot with Millionaire, The Way We Roll and Girl Wanna Roll; while Major Lloyd was quite potent with, Rise and Pray, Why Worry and Shotta and Morgue.

Romain Virgo, of 'Rising Stars' fame, and the veteran George Nooks both showed why their soulful voices continue to thrill the ladies wherever they perform. Virgo was quite compelling with songs such as I'm Still Loving You, Want to Go Home and Serious Time, while George Nooks was velvet smooth, reeling off Zion Gate, Tribal War and God is Standing By.

Deejay Ninja Man (left) takes on popular policeman and deejay Winston 'Chawfine' Campbell in a lyrical clash during his performance.