Published 25th Sept: http://www.wordsandriddims.com/review-dancehall-throwback-best-90s/
On Sunday 21st September, audiences arrived with great anticipation for ‘Dancehall Throwback – The Best of the 90’s. Despite the early news that Spragga Benz couldn’t get the Visa and therefore would not be present for the festivities, the patrons were still eager to see what the show had to offer.
Allan Brando warmed the crowed nicely, ending his set with a Buju Banton version excursion before handing over to MC Bobo El Numero Uno. First order of business was an ode to UK Dancehall in the form of Sweetie Irie. Certainly the highlight of his performance was a rendition of the classic Aswad hit ‘On & On’ for which he was accompanied by vocalist Don Campbell. Energies rose when Joe 90 entered the stage for the collab on ‘New Talk’ leaving the platform nicely warmed up for the guests from over seas.
First up, Frisco Kid, charging the stage full steam ahead as the Showtime Riddim sent the audience right back to the 90s with ‘Gal Pon Di Side’. The Kid certainly had dedicated fans, but in spite of his signature energetic style, the crowd remained luc warm until he set the place alight with one of his under appreciated hits ‘Lion Paw’. Over the ‘Hate me Now Riddim‘, Frisco went into 5th gear, lacing lyrics pon lyrics and carrying the audience with him ever step of the way. ‘Draw Fi Mi Rubbers’ culminated the set in as the crowd sang along in full voice.
Next on stage was Wayne Wonder who reminded the crowd why he is arguably the most prolific dancehall singer of a generation. From ‘Searching’ to ‘I Don’t Know Why,’ ‘Bounce Along’ and ‘Anything Goes,’ Mr. Wonder kept the crowd rocking. Highlights include a touching performance of his biggest hit ‘No Letting Go’ and a homage 80’s dancehall kickoff by a rendition of Michigan & Smiley’s ‘Nice Up Di Dance’. Bobo El Numero Uno needed no encouragement in bringing back the singer back on for an encore. Once back onstage Wayne Wonder paid homage to long time friend Buju Banton, singing ‘Untold Story’ and finishing with a verse from controversial tune ‘Boom Bye Bye’.
If anyone could follow such a formidable performance, it would be the Queen of the Dancehall.
It was time for Lady Saw who completely dash weh convention, by entering the stage minus the long band intro.
Female patrons were treated to the ‘Good Punani Medley’, which basically did what it said on the tin. Mumma Saw did not need to rely on hit tunes, as it was the stars sheer stage presence and delivery which meant that the Queen mash up di place. Still, Saw fans were treated to hits such as ‘Man Ah Di Least’, Beenie Man collab ‘Healing’, ‘Sycamore Tree’ and of course ‘Back shot’.
When Mumma Saw attempted to change the tide and declare: “Alright – Decent time now…”, she was met with a sizable cry of “Noooo…” from the audience. So as the ongoing saga’s of Punni & Buddy continued, theatrics for the recent hit ‘Heals On’ saw 2 men “nah get none” because of their reluctance to lie down.. As well as being genuinely funny, Mumma Saw showed her versatility by finishing her set with a spiritual number asking ‘Whats the Way to Get to Heaven’.Everything that came before it may not quite be the way, but as she said, it’s a good thing that“what ever you do the lord will forgive you”.
The billing of Spragga meant that the veteran was certainly missed, but Dancehall Throwback finished up a resounding success none the less.