Scenes during Shocking Vibes/Boom Energy Drink Ghetto Splash at the Waterhouse Mini-Stadium, St Andrew, last Tuesday. - Anthony Minott photos

Shereita Grizzle, Staff Reporter

Scores of patrons converged on the Waterhouse Mini-Stadium on Tuesday night for the annual ghetto splash concert. Boasting its usual star-studded line-up, the show was everything patrons expected - and then some.

On a night that saw performances from midnight to the wee hours of the morning, controversy, name-calling, and finger-pointing were the order of the night. Early acts such as Nature, Kabaka Pyramid, and Iba Mhar started things off on a good footing.

Oozing consciousness, Nature belted out the lyrics to some of his most popular songs, including World Peace and Revolution, and had the audience following in a sing-along that lasted his entire time on stage.

Though brief, Iba Mhar's set was energetic and attention-grabbing. Not only did the entertainer thrill the audience with some of his songs, but he also called out two of his fellow entertainers - Kabaka Pyramid and up-and-coming artiste Exco Levi.

Although the crowd enjoyed Pyramid's set, that was expected, based on the crowd's reactions when he was first introduced. The surprise of the night came from Exco Levi.

Not only did he manage to get the attention of the tough Drewsland crowd, but he also earned himself heavy forwards for his song - which highlighted several social issues facing the country - in addition to pointing fingers at several entertainers, including Gage, who he thought was using music to send the wrong messages to the people.

The trio then made way for Harry Toddler. Though Toddler has been missing from the musical scene for quite some time, he still managed to move the crowd with some of his older hits such as Don't Run In and Certain Bwoy.

He was followed by Beetle Bailey. Making it clear that he wasn't an established artiste, the energetic Ras had the crowd riding on a wave of anticipation, but as soon as he sang the punch lines in his first song, he won patrons' attention and held it for his entire set.

His creatively witty lyrics had the audience in a frenzy, and many showed their appreciation for his entertainment package by firing several blanks into the early morning sky.

Just when you thought the energy on stage had reached its maximum potential, Bailey called up Major Mackerel, and together, the two took the show to another level, much to the delight of the audience.

Following a short band change, Richie Spice, Sparagga Benz, and Ninja Man took to the stage. Both Spice and Benz did their part to keep the energy alive, but it was very clear that the crowd was eagerly waiting on the real Don Gorgone.

Clad in full black and entering in slow motion, the entertainer had the audience screaming and firing blanks before he even uttered a word. The Gorgon then went on to deliver a brilliant set, which included several free-style moments to put critics to rest.

Then it was time for another Downsound Records artiste - Ishawna - to grace the stage. Very much aware that her ex, Foota Hype, was in the crowd, 'Ms Legendary' spared no time in getting the name calling and the finger-pointing started. Although her set was a bit too raunchy for some, the female patrons enjoyed the 'mix-up vibe' she brought with her.

What many probably weren't expecting was Foota Hype touching the stage. Many wondered what card the selector would pull when he made his entrance, but as soon as he took the mic, he made that clear.

"Mi a nuh deejay, mi a selector," he said before dropping the intros to two Kartel songs which spoke to him never giving into the pressures of oral sex. Afterwards, he reminded the crowd that he had made Ishawna famous.

Before the concert drew to a close at daybreak, Pamputtae, Agent Sasco, Shaggy, Mr G, Konshens, and Bugle were among the other artistes who touched the stage.

shereita.grizzle@gleanerjm.com