Beres Hammond during his performance at Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest in Montego Bay. - PHOTOS BY CLAUDINE HOUSEN/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
WESTERN BUREAU:
PATRONS WERE treated to an exciting and entertaining showcase of reggae and hip-hop music at Saturday night's staging of Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest in the vibes city of Montego Bay.
'The Summit', which marked the end of the week-long music festival, featured a line-up of top entertainers including Bajan sensation Rihanna, who came armed with a slew of hits and number one songs including SOS; other acts included Missy Elliot, Beres Hammond, Damian 'Junior Gong' Marley, Buju Banton, German reggae artiste Gentleman and Taurrus Riley.
The superstar power began with Rihanna showing off her lusty voice and sexy dance moves to the crowd. The 'Energy God' Elephant Man began her set with Turn It Up before the teenager walked onstage singing Pon Di Replay to deafening screams.
CHOREOGRAPHED MOVEMENTS
Missy Elliott does a version of the 'duty wine' while DJ Tony Matterhorn belts out the lyrics.
Her four dancers, two males and two females, also had the crowd in a frenzy with their choreographed movements. In a tribute to Bob Marley, Rihanna did a soulful rendition of Redemption Song with the accompaniment of a guitarist.
Her performance was followed by hip-hop star Missy Elliott who delivered an energetic and flamboyant performance during which a pair of autographed sneakers was given away. She also ventured into a section of the crowd, sitting on the neck of her bodyguard after standing on a beer crate did not work out.
She had patrons jumping with hits like Lose Control, On and On and Irresistible Delicious. To show she was abreast with the ever-changing culture of the Jamaican dancehall, Missy used slangs like 'bullet, bullet, bullet' and 'I are the one' much to the amusement of the crowd.
LATEST DANCE CRAZES
She also invited QQ to perform his hit Stukie while Montego Bay-based dancer Marvin showed off the latest dance crazes. Dyema, Oila and Michelle from Flankers, whom it is said originated the 'Dutty Wine' dance performed with Tony Matterhorn.
Damian 'Junior Gong' Marley blazed the venue with his mega hits such as Welcome to Jamrock, Educated Fools, Youths Dem Bawling Out, and Beautiful. He also called on Bounty Killer to collaborate on Khaki Suit.
Singer Beres Hammond changed the tempo of the show with his love ballads, mesmerising the crowd and having women screaming throughout his performance.
Buju 'The Gargamel' Banton brought down the curtains on Reggae Sumfest 2006 with a mix of old and new hits much to the delight of the crowd. In an energetic set, the deejay reminded patrons of his magnetism, which has pulled a large following.
Earlier performances came from the promising Taurrus Riley, the versatile Gentleman, an impressive Alaine, the tenderfoot Cherine and Chappa Jan, a budding entertainer out of St. Ann.
