Trey Songz and Shabba’s return cap electrifying International Night at Sumfest
Following a
Dancehall Night that’s been hailed as the best ever by industry observers,
Reggae Sumfest upped the ante with a wholly captivating
International Night for the ages.
On Friday night, a great sense of anticipation filled the
Catherine Hall Entertainment Complex as fans craved the return of American R&B sensation,
Trey Songz to Jamaican soil as well as the homecoming of Dancehall legend,
Shabba Ranks
after an 11 year absence from the local scene. That anticipation turned
to delight as fans in Montego Bay got to witness stellar performances
from both artistes as well as a slew of other acts that graced the
Sumfest stage in the early hours of Saturday morning.
View slideshow:
Reggae Sumfest International Night 1 highlights
International Night featured prominent young and veteran acts that made strong impressions on
Reggae Sumfest. One such artiste was
Downsound Records artiste,
Nature,
who validated his rising status within Reggae music with a powerful and
energetic set that included delivering his breakthrough hit,
World Peace.
Highly acclaimed Reggae singer,
Sophia Brown finally got her opportunity to perform on the
Reggae Sumfest stage and seized it with an appeasing performance while veteran songstress,
Elise Kelly reminded fans of her singing prowess while also being accompanied on stage by Jamaican radio legend,
Barry G.
Prominent Reggae singer,
Tessanne Chin had the crowd rocking throughout the night; securing their attention as she vocalized smash hits such as
The Reason, Messenger and
Hideaway while also taking time out to pay tribute to
Jamaica 50 by singing the rocksteady-themed track,
Hanging On To Strings, which had the crowd dancing as they enjoyed the old-school vibes on offer.
Keeping with that theme, several Reggae veterans were honored as a
Jamaica 50 tribute
took music lovers down memory lane while highlighting the evolution of
Reggae music during the island’s run as an independent nation. Reggae
legends
John Holt, Frankie Paul, Pinchers, U-Roy and Dancehall patriarch,
Yellow Man were
some of the many legends who gave fans chills and thrills with sounds
reminiscent of decades past when both of Jamaica’s founding genres began
to take shape.
Tarrus Riley was
nothing short of entertaining during his set, with a plethora of
throwback and current hits dispersed through the performance including
She's Royal, Shaka Zulu Pickney, amongst others.
However, the most awaited act of the night, at least for female fans, was
Trey Songz, who performed for the second time ever on Jamaican soil. Before the
Sex A’int Better Than Love singer even took the
Catherine Hall stage, some female patrons applied make up to their faces in the VIP section just to look good for
Trey Songz while near-deafening screams could be heard the crowd prior to the entertainer’s entrance.
When
Trey Songz finally made it on, he wasted no time in trying to tease his female lovers as he performed several of his hits including
Can’t Help But Wait, I Can’t Stop Missing You, Neighbors Know My Name and
Dive In You before removing his black t-shirt; sparking a frenzy amongst the crowd as he showed off his six pack.
Meanwhile, as promised,
Trey Songz did incorporate some Jamaican flavor to his set by performing a cover of Bob Marley’s classic,
Turn Your Lights Down Low, much to the approval of his Jamaican adorers.
Last, but certainly not least, was the ‘Emperor,’
Shabba Ranks, who made his first appearance at
Reggae Sumfest
since 1994. Shabba had the Montego Bay crowd eating out of his hands
for over an hour; performing classics that with surely have fans singing
long after Sumfest’s conclusion.
Delivering his typically energetic and eccentric performance style, Shabba dished out many efforts from his catalogue including
Ting a Ling,
Mr. Loverman,
None a Dem and a slew of others. Additionally, he called on Reggae superstar,
Cherine Anderson on stage as part of his act.
Following Shabba’s memorable performance was another iconic moment
that fans can take away from Reggae Sumfest’s 20th edition as he copped
an award in honor of his vast contributions to the Jamaican music
industry. After Jamaica’s minister of Youth and Culture,
Lisa Hanna presented him with the award, an emotional
Shabba Ranks thanked Sumfest organizers before bringing his wife,
Michelle on stage to share his glory.
Shabba also took time to acknowledge his sons,
Rexton and Jahwon Jr.,
who joined the veteran entertainer and his wife on stage. Shabba even
took time to highlight his sons’ achievements in school overseas.
“Rex Jr, political science and law at Boston University and Jahwon, 98% average in chemistry, physics and maths!”Shabba shouted with joy before explaining that his sons were the main reason for his long absence from Jamaican soil.
Shabba Ranks later took time to shout words of
encouragement to fellow entertainers before making a statement that
truly connected with the entire crowd.
“Not only gunshot can come out of the ghetto, I’m a natural proof of ghetto progress.”
