Following an energetic slew of performances on Dancehall night, International Night 1 of Reggae Sumfest 2011 provided a calming effect for the thousands of patrons at the Catherine Hall Entertainment Centre in Montego Bay.
The major storyline heading into International Night 1 was how the show would be able to fill the void left by R Kelly’s absence following emergency throat surgery. Legendary Reggae singer, Coco Tea stepped forward on Friday night to deliver a humorous set full of chants that drew laughs from the crowd. "I was not billed for the show, only Rastaman can cross it," Coco Tea chanted.
Coco Tea’s main chant of the night, however, spoke of R Kelly’s absence from the Sumfest lineup. “R Kelly come five years ago and drop him pants, Coco Tea a sing him nuh response, foreign artiste a charge couple million, but dis Rastaman a charge a few grand, di likkle short man from Clarendon nuh ramp!" Coco intimated; drawing widespread laughter from the crowd. Coco Tea, then belted out several of his hit songs including Holy Mount Zion, Israel’s King & countless others.
However, the main headliner of the night was another legendary Reggae singer, Beres Hammond who received a roaring ovation from the Catherine Hall crowd. He & the fans engaged in several sing-alongs as he performed several classics like “Step Aside Now,” “Double Trouble,” “Putting Up Resistance,” & “What One Dance Can Do.”
Additionally, Beres presented with the Reggae Icon Award; an award many fans knew he would receive week in advance following various media reports. Nevertheless, Hammond was left stunned & humbled by receiving such an honor. "I hardly get awards and one like this makes me feel good," he said.
Beres then went back to his set; performing “No Disturb Sign” & “Love Means Never To Say You're Sorry,” before calling out the “Queen of Dancehall,” Lady Saw to perform a duet she wrote entitled, “She Was Changed,” a song speaking of a girl whose innocence was lost due to rape & abuse.
Other highlights from International Night 1 included Tanya Stephens who shelled out classics like “It's A Pity,” “Handle the Ride,” & “Yuh Nuh Ready Fi Dis Yet.” Legendary Reggae singer, Half Pint & former Rising Stars winner, Christopher Martin also wowed the patrons with their performances before Bunny Wailer closed the show by minutes to 6am Jamaican time on Saturday morning.
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