THERE WAS NO clashing of opinions at Showdown because thousands of dancehall fans got their money’s worth.
That was the consensus after the dust settled at the National Botanical Gardens early yesterday morning after the second event of the Barbados Reggae Weekend ended.
Gone wild Jamaican singer Mavado, who headlined the event, was ushered on stage around 1:31 a.m. and the crowd erupted.
Dressed in all black, Mavado, who rose to fame as the ‘Gully God’ was supported by a powerful live band, that helped to elevate his sound.
Fiery pyrotechnics were used throughout his hour-long set to amplify the high-energy, rock-style performance.
He sang selections such as Real McKoy, Real Killer, My League, Big League, Hope and Pray, Weh Dem a Do, So Special, Last Night, She Beat Him, Top
Shotta Nah Miss and Caribbean Girls.
Energetic performances
Most of the performance was with energy, but he slowed down the pace during his latest release God Nah Sleep.
He encouraged the thousands in attendance to listen to the lyrics which explore social issues.
While citing the Gully vs Gaza feud between him and former rival Vybz Kartel, who was recently released from prison, he urged people to stop the violence.
“It’s not only about war, crime and violence. Barbados is a beautiful island and I love you,” he said.
Moments earlier Skeng, who is known for his unique, energetic and at times risky performance style had the stage on fire.
He began his set relatively tame but he quickly increased the ferocity.
Songs including Likkle Miss, Gvnman Shift, Shalalala, Loyal Gyal, Protocol and Life Changes were performed.
Throughout his performance, he was supported by a group of women background dancers who showcased their flexibility as they executed various choreographed routines.
Jamaican trapdancehall artiste Kraff performed Ikation 100 Watt, Lucid, Rum Behaviour and Nursery Rhymes.
A significant number of the songs performed during the set contained explicit content and that was one of the reasons why a member of the Barbados Police Service stood at the side of the stage during Intence’s performance.
They asked that he censor some of his lyrics as he performed songs such as Shh and Like U.
The event, hosted by Peter Coppin and Vayne, also featured a strong showing from Bajan artistes Chiief Diin, Lonerealness, Brutal Crankstar, and Idea the
Artist, who opened the show.
Chiief Diin performed Believe in Myself, Lonerealness performed Serial, Brutal Crankstar did Freaky
Girls and Idea sang Time and God.
The Barbados Reggae Weekend ended yesterday with Reggae in the Gardens. (Tre Greaves)
