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Champions In Action 2004 - Caymanas Polo Club

Champions, action and a disciplined stage show

Last Saturday's Champions In Action stage show held at the Caymanas Polo Club was characterised by noteworthy performances by most of the entertainers who graced the stage, but the real highlight of the show was the tight security and order that prevailed both onstage and throughout the venue.

There was the absence of the usual unruly stage 'bomb rush' by overzealous artistes not billed to perform, an unsavoury practice that has become part and parcel of some dancehall events. Parking and access to the venue were handled exceptionally in comparison to similar events, and patrons had to pass through three security checkpoints to even enter the venue.

There was hardly any sign of uniformed police officers or armed security guards, but the crowd was well behaved and not one violent incident was reported. The organisers, Presidential Click, should be congratulated for a decent effort.

Even onstage, the security and discipline was tight.
Surprisingly, not even the droves of flag-waving bobo dreads that usually accompany Sizzla Kolonji were allowed to crowd the stage, and it was refreshing to see the diminutive maestro performing without the usual hangers-on.

Perhaps the most untoward occurence of the show was the removal of deejay Bling Dawg from the stage as he performed a cameo during Bounty Killer's set.

At 2:00 am the Warlord came onstage and announced that he had to perform earlier than his usual close-to-the-end spot on the line-up because of travel commitments. He immediately blazed into a tirade of anti-establishment lyrics, during which he blasted the Trinidad and Tobago authorities for seizing his passport. Last week, Bounty Killer was detained in Trinidad after being yanked offstage by police during a show. The authorities charged Killer with the use of expletives onstage, and a judge insisted that his passport be seized in order to ensure that the entertainer kept his November court date. The next day, Bounty Killer's travel documents were returned to him following an appeal to the nation's highest appellate court.

Bounty Killer, who along with Beenie Man and Buju Banton has been the target of campaigns by gay rights groups around the world, also made it very clear that he would not apologise for his gay-bashing lyrics.

After about 15 minutes on stage, he called for Bling Dawg, who was also scheduled to catch the same flight.

Bling Dawg was fully into his stride as he mouthed off gun glorifying lyrics to the approval of the audience when suddenly, a member of the stage management team strode onstage, took the microphone from the bewildered deejay and announced that that Bling Dawg's time to perform had not yet come.

A defeated-looking Bling Dawg was then escorted from the stage. Bounty Killer also took the cue and left the stage, but not before mouthing, "Imagine that" four times.

At that point a deafening silence descended upon the venue, as awed patrons considered how to react to the disciplinary measure. After a few minutes, the Warlord came back onstage - minus Bling Dawg - to deliver one of his better shows this year. He also took time out to pay tribute to deejays Shabba Ranks and Buju Banton, remarking that they had been heavily influential on his career.

The 'fiyaman' Capleton followed. He, too, was at his blazing best, in contrast to last year's Champions In Action, where he failed to spark. This year, however, the exciting stage performer silenced the critics with a fiery and energetic performance.

An unpolished Lady Saw and a raw Queen Paula used raunchy lyrics and played upon certain parts of the female anatomy to draw loud 'forwards' from the audience.

Richie Spice and his Fifth Element brethren, Chuck Fenda also delivered, as did Frisco Kid and an ever-defiant Anthony B.

In the early stages of the event entertaining sets were offered by Lutan Fyah who scored well with his No Peace In Spanish Town, Fantan Moja, a crisp Cayan, Andy Livingston and Tek Set.

'The Doctor', Beenie Man was also in good nick, and along with Vybz Kartel closed the event.

In his set, Beenie Man, who was celebrating his birthday, took time to point out that he did not apologise for his gay-bashing lyrics, and went on to perform some of his anti-gay tunes before delving into his popular hits. Beenie pulled off the ultimate coup when he invited R&B singer, Eamon, to do a few lines from his hit song, Don't Want You Back, which instantly brought the house down.