FABIAN LEDGISTER, Staff Reporter
United States rapper The Game, takes off his shirt and performs during the rain at Caribbean Rising, the MTV Tempo launch show held at the James Bond Beach, Oracabessa, St. Mary. - WINSTON SILL
PERFORMERS AT THE Caribbean Rising event on Sunday night at the James Bond Beach, St Mary, were in awe of the sheer determination of fans, as they stood in the mud and heavy rains from Tropical Storm Wilma to see them perform.
"Bway, dem brave ... Is a brave set of people mi jus perform in front of, that's why mi afi love mi Jamaican fans," Reggae icon, Jimmy Cliff told THE STAR.
Slated to perform at the first show on Saturday night, Cliff ended up appearing on Sunday, as the promoter had decided to combine both shows into one night. The veteran reggae singer delivered a solid 25 minute performance that included songs such as Rebel In Me, to which a few unruly crowd members were chanting Rising Star contestant, Noddy's name. The Rising star contestant had garnered popularity from his cover of Cliff's song.
Showing his great appreciation and admiration of the soaked patrons, international rap star, The Game, took it 'one step further,' stating that if his fans were to get wet, then so would he, and he promptly stepped to the stage front from beneath the sheltered area. Despite the small crowd and constant rains, the Compton born rap star got the audience jumping with hits from his latest album, The Documentary, including Dreams, and Hate It Or Love It, his combination with 50 Cent. The rapper also took the opportunity to take a few verbal stabs at 50 Cent.
"In Compton we don't say G-Unit, we say G-U-Not!," joked The Game.
CROWD FAVOURITE
Bounty Killer, who was a clear crowd favourite among local acts that night, was also in awe of the determined fans.
"This is a great thing that these people are doing, as they're supporting an event to launch an avenue for Caribbean music to get world-wide recognition...I've never seen this in my 14 years as a performing artiste. Have you?" queried Killer
Bounty performed a string of hits and after the soaking patrons chanted for his return, the deejay decided to switch to his 'old school' repertoire of hits, including Top-A-Top, and Lodge. The performer was evidently in a good mood despite adverse weather conditions, as he could be seen briefly dancing the Willie Bounce.
Other memorable performances that night included, Toots, Elephant Man, Vybz Kartel, CeCile, Busy Signal, and Bling Dawg.
"Mi afi big up di yard people, cause a nuh everybody woulda go through dat fi see wi perform, an mi really appreciate it," commented Bling Dawg during his performance.
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