4 months ago
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New York:
Dexta Daps, described by some of his adoring fans as the ‘Sexiest Man in Dancehall,’ earned his top billing at the inaugural WAV (World A Vibes) Music Fest at the UBS Arena in Queens, NYC on Friday.
“ Wonder if me shoulda gi’ her a call?” was how Daps greeted the near-capacity crowd inside the arena, quoting lyrics from his 2017 hit song, You & I. The hit parade continued with Shabba Madda Pot and Nah Leave You. Weak to you, Slow Motion, and 7-11 connected with his core 18-35 year old female fanbase. The excitement peaked with D reaming, Leader, Jealous Ova, and Make Mama Proud – the only song he said he can perform for his Christian mother.
Spice, the only female performer booked for the event, was in fine nick, unleashing the Patra-inspired Romantic Call before she segued into the song which brought out her pole dancers. Her command of the stage and ability to engage fans was on full display. Midway her set, she invited two consenting male patrons on stage for a Conjugal Visit, telling them while they danced that A So Me Like It.
Romping Shop, her 2009 collab with World Boss Vybz Kartel was a winner, earning rapturous applause from her ‘Besties.’ She riled up the crowd when she hinted that Kartel was backstage and ready to Come Out but that was wishful thinking. Go Down Deh, one of her biggest dancehall hits, was magnificently executed. She continued the musical onslaught with Sitt’n Fi Chat and the controversial Hell No.
Chronic Law, who was making his UBS Arena début delivered a clinical performance that included Paranoid, Empty and Bless Me. He hailed Kartel, Buju, Beenie and Bounty who recently secured US visas but pleaded with the authorities to free up Popcaan, who is still without a US visa or work permit.
Kranium’s stunning vocal range was on full display while performing Last Night and Gal Policy. The Jamaican born dancehall/reggae singer who grew up in New York, first gained notoriety in 2013 with his hit single Nobody Has to Know. The track was remixed by hip hop star Ty Dolla $ign, and helped fast track a major label music deal with Atlantic Records. He invited Chronic Law back on stage to close out his performance with their collab, Higher Life.
Skeng, known for his electrifying performances, nearly created pandemonium when he romped on stage at the UBS Arena. The Protocol artiste, born Kevon Douglas started his high energy set with the Nicki Minaj collab, Likkle Miss. After performing Gal Yuh a Idiot, he invited Demarco for a cameo. Demarco scored with I Love My Life and Duppy Know Who Fi Frighten before delivering the poignant Fallen Soldiers.
Other exciting performances came from Kraft, Kkrytical and Valiant.
Prior to Dexta Daps performance, veteran radio host and sound system selector Roy ‘DJ Roy’ Walters was honoured with a plaque from his son, RJ Walters and Star, promoters of the event.
English (US) ·