Krista Henry, Staff Reporter

The Irie In Di Area roadshow kicked off with a bang on Thursday in Mandela Park, Half-Way Tree, Kingston.

THE STAR-sponsored event took over the park from after 6 a.m., as persons heading to work, school and about their general business stopped to take in the music. Hosted by DJ Amber with music from DJ Smurf, the park was partying when the artistes arrived to take the stage and bring the energy level higher. Prior to the performances, the sponsors did giveaways, including THE STAR whose winner Linnette Trout showcased her best 'star walk'.

QQ performed first as he declared, "unnu notice mi get mature? Nuff a unnu a sey a nuh me." The mature QQ showcased his serious songs calling himself a defender of the poor. After the conscious performance, persons got a taste of gospel with Prodigal Son who started with Head Cyaan Hot So. The gospel artiste had persons raising their hands in praise as he freestyled some lyrics.

Newcomer Chan Dizzy made his presence felt with Hello Badmind, Nuh Strange Face and Go Hard and Done. Singjay Protoje got a good

response from the crowd who sang along to his Roll and Dread and hands went up to show how proud they were to be Jamaican for JA. When Rasta Love was performed, persons were singing along and eagerly tried getting their hands on Protoje sample CDs that were being handed out.

The females on the show also made their presence felt next. Ce'Cile spoke about her 'coffee', and women made noise for Tek Weh Dat. D'Angel showed that she was no lightweight onstage as she had the crowd responding well to songs like First Lady. She also did a few a cappella lyrics, went into Babyfather before singing Time of My Life without Beenie Man.

Mr G closed the performances with a strong set that included Beat Dem Bad, We Neva Like Dem First, and his signature Swaggerific. He did pieces of other artistes' songs on the One Day rhythm such as Nah Sell Out which the audience enjoyed.

The Gleaner Company's Terry Wilson (left) presents a prize to one of the winners.
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Prodigal Son

From Mandela Park it was on to a brief stop at Courts in Cross Roads with comedians Ity and Fancy Cat. The artistes hit the stage once again before heading back to the bus to go to downtown Kingston.

Check out the coverage of the In Di Area roadshow leg in downtown and St Thomas in THE STAR soon.