adminThe show was in full swing and Popcaan’s performance, with songs like “Head Bad”, “Get Gal Easy” and “Only Man She Want”, had just ended when, suddenly, all the lights on stage and around the venue went out.
Shortly after, people were seen running and shoving at the back of the venue with some holding on to sturdy objects for safety.
With people still tense, again there was more pushing right in front of the stage, but this time it was so intense that some people fell to the ground, getting covered by dirt and liquor in the process.
While some found ways of hiding from the stampede, others asked what was happening and several others left.
After about 30 minutes, the show restarted and Sassy Silva took the stage, but the crowd remained tense.
Later, there were performances from other finalists such as Charlene Skylar, Jonnah and Payne. The judges commended them for their efforts throughout the season and Skatta added that Joe Bagdonovich, CEO of Downsound Records, had promised to make a presentation to the contestants who placed second.
With the announcement of the winner long overdue, Sassy Silva and Charlene Skylar took the stage. When Sassy was announced the winner the crowd erupted while a few booed.
Wearing her robe and gold crown, she cried as she collected her US$1 million cheque. She promised to give some money to her campaign team and a basic school, and spend the rest on her two children and herself.
This was followed by shouts of “One one one” and “House of Payne” ahead of the announcement of the male winner.
When host, Yanique Barrett, said Jonnah had won ahead of Payne, the crowd went wild, and many jumped, shouted and threw liquor skywards.
With the situation less tense at the start of the show, models paraded in designs from Drenz Fashions and there were performances from some of this year’s contestants like Turbo J, Makarie, Gatty Don, Minori, Movac, Shack, Zip Head and Elegance, Suspense, Halonie, Konfydence, Buck 1, Glamity and Jah Bouks.
But former contestants created quite a stir and showed they were still loved by the patrons who sang along to their songs.
Last year’s winner, Tally (formerly Taliban) did a bit of “ambushing” before singing “Gotta Make It”. Deep Jahi added some flavour and energy with “Punching Bag” and “Life Goes On”, which earned him some “forwards”.
Renegade also got a good response from the audience. Dance group Shady Squad also performed.
Dancehall artiste Khago, who has been in a much-talked-about disagreement with judge Skatta, also did an interesting little stint. He came out with “Blood A Boil”, saying, “From yuh know seh no man nah mind yuh, go so.”
He later said: “Mi waan big up some people. Big up yuhself Professor Nuts, big up yuhself Miss Kitty . . . mi fi continue? Big up yuhself Skatta.”
He then went over to where Skatta was seated, held the producer’s hand in the air, then said: “Skatta big up yuhself”. Skatta did not seem amused by the gesture and was almost unresponsive.
Khago later did his more popular songs like “Nah Sell Out” and “Nah Sell Out Part 2” that had the audience singing along. — Jamaica Star.
Online Reporter