Kingston, Jamaica, came alive a week ago with high energy performances from Chris Brown and Friends.
As the National Stadium gates opened, fans flooded the bleachers, grandstand, VIP, VVIP and sky box sections with hopes of securing their spots for the show.
While there was no doubt that the crowd would be ‘Under the Influence’ of Chris Brown’s charisma and charm, there were several class acts in the star-studded lineup who ‘jaminated’ the main stage, leaving no crumbs behind.
Singing sensation D’Yani took the lead with an early performance of Senorita and Feelings. Newcomer Moyann represented the ladies with Little Red Riding Hood and featured a dance clash between Jamaica and Japan.
Then the tables turned to Gramps Morgan, who in the spirit of keeping things easy like Sunday evening, brought smooth reggae hits to the spotlight. It was a great pleasure to witness the cultural heritage at its best. Seeing the veteran pass on his musical legacy to his son, Jemere: priceless.
Speaking of memorable moments, dancehall artiste Ding Dong stole the show and gave a solid 10 out of 10 performance, winning for the culture with his hand cart entrance and accompanying team of dancers adorned in white jerseys. The audience, who actively participated in this electrifying performance, also appreciated the tribute to the legendary Gerald ‘Bogle’ Levy and energy god Elephant Man as well.
Byron Messia might be living in St Kitts but he has not forgotten his Jamaican roots. When Talibans rang out in the stadium, his fans showed their support by chiming in to the hit song.
JOP Boss, the one and only Aidonia, took his audience on an emotional rollercoaster, delivering his stellar catalog of songs for the crowd to savour. After he spoke on the untimely passing of his only child, Khalif Lawrence and gave a tribute in honour of his life, he surprised the audience by inviting his wife Kimberly Megan to the stage. Then and there, he announced the most exciting news that was pretty obvious to everyone present: another baby is on the way!
Teejay drifted his way on to the stage and left the crowd in a frenzy. Of course, he couldn’t leave without having the ladies bubble for the Uptop Boss.
Sean Kingston expressed joy after landing in Kingston for his performance. The homecoming he received from the National Stadium was heartwarming, to say the least. Joining him on stage was Safaree and he kept the vibe going at an all-time high.
The audience waited with bated breath for Breezy to make his special appearance. And as the clock started to approach midnight, the hope to see the man, the moment and the magic began to dwindle.
But then, an AI video introduction began and out of nowhere, Chris Brown appeared out of thin air, gracing the event with his seraphic presence.
From there, it was two hours of non stop hit after hit after hit, as the veteran artiste breezed through the year of his career with much success.
Displaying first rate vocals and superior dance skills, the ladies screamed at his every note and movement. And everyone joined the artiste in song, belting out the lyrics to their favourite tracks.
A particularly impressive moment came when the international artiste gave the Jamaican dancers in his camp the opportunity to showcase their talent on home soil. For them, the journey came full circle performing in front of their loved ones.
In the same way that Breezy added local artistes to his show, it is clear, based on this event alone, that Jamaican artistes would make an exciting tour addition for international acts.
All in all, one thing’s for sure, everyone in attendance on Sunday night shared the same sentiment: if they could, they would go see Chris Brown and friends live in concert in Jamaica all over again.
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