This dancer shows his skills during a disorganised dance contest at Mix-A-Rama at Sugarman Beach, Hellshire, on Saturday night. - Nathaniel Stewart Photos
Mix-A-Rama, staged at Sugarman Beach, Portmore, St Catherine, strayed far from the scheduled start time advertised extensively in the media. The party, slated to begin at 4 p.m., did not see anything really happening until approximately 1 a.m. Sunday morning.
When THE STAR team arrived at the venue about 9:35 p.m., there was hardly anyone there. Most of the 12 selectors slated to thrill the crowd were not present and the vibe and energy was non-existent.
After hours of waiting, MC Elva took the microphone at 12:20 a.m. and introduced the Island Vibes selectors. They played a rather tame set and were soon replaced by Black Chiney, who played a somewhat similar set. The Black Chiney selectors, who explained that they were just coming from Japan, played a set that was not in favour with a Jamaican audience out to party hard.
Hard-hitting songs
They soon found a little form as they merged dancehall, with the likes of Mavado, and hip hop, with the likes of Lil Wayne, much to the delight of the growing crowd.
When Nico Supreme took over selecting duties, it was 1:18 a.m., the vibes seemed to build with the growing crowd. The tension in the air drifted away with the sea breeze as they played some hard-hitting songs from Mavado, Vybz Kartel and Black Rhyno. Assassin's Dem Guy Deh, earned them a thunderous 'forward' from the crowd.
From there, the vibes fluctuated and it continued that way throughout the night. The highlight of the 12 selectors was Razz & Biggy, who played a dominating set. Biggy lauded Prime Minister Bruce Golding after the much-talked-about BBC interview. He showed his respect by drawing Elephant Man's latest single Respect to the PM to a resounding response from the crowd.
Boring
That aside, the party was boring. It was not a total flop, as there were good moments, however the lifespan of such moments was limited. A scheduled Bare As You Dare contest did not really add any life to the proceedings and, after a rather disorganised dance competition, the patrons seemed to have had enough. They began strolling out of the venue at 4 a.m.
These two were also obviously enjoying the proceedings.
These patrons made sure to enjoy themselves.
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