Professionalism, confidence and talent have become the hallmark of Inga Stewart, which anyone can expect whenever she performs.

It was no different when she graced the Old Hospital Park in Montego Bay as one of the many talents exposed by Digicel's 'Rising Stars' competition who were guest performers at the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission-sponsored 46th Independence Street Gala on Wednesday night.

Khalil wooed the crowd with their variety of songs and sheer choreography, with Lynford 'Marisko' McIntosh and Suzanne Perkins skilfully winning over the crowd. However, when Inga walked onstage it was real show time, as she connected with the audience when she left the stage and distributed her photos to adults and children.

heritage and culture

Chris Martin, wriggled his way into the hearts of many young girls with his mix of reggae and oldies. "Me is a young boy in a old boy body," he joked.

The evening's proceedings kicked off with several local artistes and dance groups entertaining the crowd, including Major Lloyd, Ganja Lee, Jah Tuff, Show Jam's Children of the Drums and the Goofy Brothers, among others. Comedian and deejay Lieutenant Elmo had the audience in stitches.

It was an evening that was predominantly geared towards highlighting and revisiting Jamaica's heritage and culture, as well as treating the entire family. However, some performers lost sight of the true essence of Jamaica's heritage and culture. Goofy Brothers were very creative with their dance, but of all the dance groups, Children of the Drums were the only ones who demonstrated a sense of culture.

Guest performer Elephant Man was clueless about culture. Reeling off the wrong lyrics five seconds into his performance, he blurted: "Montego Bay we execute yuh. Big up di gangsters and tugs. Hold up yuh gun finger."

discriminated against

He later swiped at the women: "Gal, if you know say under you nuh big like over yonder, swear."

Elephant Man also discriminated against a 10-year-old boy and a little girl after inviting them onstage to dance. "Put da likkle dry head pickney deh pon stage?" he asked of the girl.

The lad was next. "How dah lilli bwoy ya so dutty. Yuh a mad man?" he asked the child before giving each of them $1,000 for their efforts.