While it was hip-hop star 50 Cent and his G Unit that got the loudest scream, in terms churning out hits it was prolific reggae hit-maker Sizzla who stole the spotlight on International Night One of Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest 2006 in Montego Bay.
The dimunitive Sizzla, who was asked to follow impressive earlier showings by the likes of Mr. Vegas, Lady Saw and 50 Cent and his crew, met and surpass the challenge with a masterful set in which he demonstrated the full range of his versatility.In a near flawless one hour display in which blasting firecrackers and blazing aerosol cans greeted each song, it was vintage Sizzla as he unleashed songs such as Marijuana, Why Should I, Thank You Mama and Solid As a Rock in a blazing opening salvo.
Although he took time out to remind 'BMan' and 'Bow C' that he had not gone soft on them, he was soon back on message, blazing away with the likes of No Apology, Rise To The Occasion and Got To Be Strong, as the appreciative crowd roared with approval.
For the scores of teenage girls, who quickly became delirious with excitement, there was none like 50 Cent and his G Unit buddies who performed on track and really took the excitement to another level after a classic introduction which featured a video presentation of the rap stars colourful but controversial history.
By the time the deafening screams that greeted his arrival had subsided, hits such as Candy Shop with Olivia, In Da Club and Beg For Mercy had the crowd all but eating out of 50 Cent's hands. Obviously pleased with the feedback from the fans, the artistes kept tossing items of clothing, inclusive of hats, shirts and shoes into the crowd.
It was an in-control 50 Cent, as artistes such as Junior Gong, Stephen Marley, Bounty Killer and Busy Signal joined the hip-hop crew as Bob Marley's Is This Love, echoed from the speaker boxes. Bounty Killer's used the opportunity to belt out the song Kronic before 50 Cent and his crew sealed their set with old school hits such as, P.I.M.P, How We Do among other hits.
Mr. Vegas, who appeared ahead of both 50 Cent and Sizzla, gave a commanding performance which left no doubt that he remains a class performer. Dancing up a storm and constantly interacting with the crowd, it was a constant buzz of excitement as he reeled off songs such as Heads High, Sucky Ducky and Hands Up as he worked his way to a predictable encore.
Lady Saw reminded all and sundry that she remains the undisputed Queen of Slack as she unleashed a set that was sexually teasing at times. Sons such as Back Shot, Bed Noise and Eh Em were blunt and frank, while Walk Out and the teasing, 'welcome to Jamaica' showed she was hardcore as well. In the end, she also slipped in a religious bit.
Early act Mackie Conscious performed after a solid introductory set. Former Rising Star standout Noddy Virtue also made a powerful statement. Leroy Sibbles, John Holt and Ritchie Spice were good but not great.
