Teino Evans, Staff Reporter
( L - R ) Mr. Vegas , Machel Montano and Assassin - file photos
It
was the splish-splashing, jumping and cheering of the massive audience who had
turned out to the bMobile Reggae Sunsplash Trails that indicated that
the rain that fell earlier that evening would not put a damper on the vibes.
The event, which was staged last Saturday night in New Kingston, literally closed down Dominica Drive, as fans turned out to get a pre-taste of what was to come at Reggae Sunsplash.
The event not only featured ten contestants vying for a spot on stage at Reggae Sunsplash, but an array of musical juggling from the likes of the party animal, Kurt Riley, Razz and Biggy and some top performances from top artistes billed for Reggae Sunsplash.
Freestyle
round
After the ten contestants had thrilled the crowd, the group was narrowed down to five contestants, J. Lee, Zeela Mac, St. Matthew, H.U.S.H and Ras Eni, who had to survive a freestyle round. Rhythms and topics were selected on the spot by way of the contestants spinning a wheel.
Topics varied from that of bMobile and Sunsplash to the summer and love for women and children. However, it was H.U.S.H and Ras Eni who fell victim on account of the judges' decision.
As persons in the crowd chanted, 'a woman time now', it was clear that their cheers had placed Zeela Mac in the number one spot. Ironically though, when 'Ms. Kitty', who had been sharing MC duties with 'Wild Child' asked, "uno want ar do a winning piece?" A resounding 'no' was the answer!
It was clear that the massive audience was only too eager to get on with the 'free show' as they were by now well aware of the fact that the likes of Machel Montano, Assassin and others were in the venue.
Change
of atmosphere
At 1 a.m., deejay Assassin was the first to greet the audience from the stage, as he teased with a few of his popular songs, including Gully Sit'n and Don't Like You. The ' 'empresses' were all willing to recieve Junior Kelly, before the atmosphere changed dramatically when Machel Montano followed.
He warned, "if you want to see da real thing then you all have to come to Reggae Sunsplash, a only goin give you a taste now." Montano performed a couple of his recent hits before combining with Mr. Vegas for the new single, Dance With You.
The highlight of Montano's set on stage, however, came when he called three females on stage to move their hips to the soca rhythm before 'jumping' him. The third contestant, by the way, was 'Ms. Kitty', but surprisingly, Machel managed to bear the burden.
It was all in the name of fun and excitement and considering that the Sunsplash Trails Block Party was merely a small indicator of what to expect, patrons will be in for a major 'Splash' come August 3-6.
