By Adrian Frater, Staff Reporter
Bounty Killer
WESTERN BUREAU:
'DANCEHALL NIGHT', the most anticipated night of Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest 2002, is set to unfold in a blaze of glory at the Catherine Hall Entertainment Centre, in Montego Bay tonight, with an all-star cast headed by the red-hot Bounty Killer. However, while the avid dancehall fans are expected to come out in droves for a musical treat, the promoters Summerfest Productions and the Montego Bay police will also be on full alert, monitoring the performances of the artistes.
"Oh, yes, we will be there to monitor the behaviour of the artistes. We intend to take a firm stance against those who may be inclined to break the law in their words and deeds," said Superintendent Denver Frater, the Area One police crime chief. "Any performer, who breaks the law will be arrested and charged."
Last year's 'Dancehall Night' turned out to be a disgraceful episode as feuding deejays spouted profanity and threats at each other with impunity. In the end, the audience got involved and a horrifying missile-throwing melee, which was punctuated by sporadic gunfire, wrecked the show.
On account of the bad behaviour by some of the artistes, warrants were issued for the arrest of Bounty Killer, Beenie Man, Kip Rich, Alozade and Elephant Man, among others. Artistes indiscretion again soared to the fore last weekend, when Ninja Man was arrested and a warrant issued for Bounty Killer following their performances at Carifest 2002, in St. Elizabeth.
"We are going to be super strict this year; the plug will be pulled on any artiste who misbehaves on 'Dancehall Night' or any other night," said Summerfest Director Robert Russell. "As we speak, we are contemplating removing one artiste, who has a propensity for bad behaviour, from the line-up." As a precaution and in a bid to discourage indiscretions, Summerfest has taken the decision to withhold a portion of each artiste's fee, which will be confiscated should the artiste fail to comply with the contractual arrangement to obey the law.
"We have been forced to take this tough stance because some of the artistes, especially the deejays, are not showing the type of maturity one would expect from adults," said Summerfest's top executive Johnny Gourzong. "My hope is that we will have a good 'Dancehall Night' and by extension, a good festival overall."
From a musical perspective, tonight has the potential to be one of the better 'Dancehall Nights' in comparison to previous years. Main act Bounty Killer, who has the number one song in Jamaica, Sufferer, is back at his best; alongside Elephant Man, who has three songs in the Top 10; and the usually exciting dancehall prophet, Capleton.
In addition to the big three, the 'Dancehall Night' line-up will include Ninja Man, Baby Cham, Wayne Marshall, Alozade, Anthony Cruz, Mr. Vegas, Assassin, Danny English, Egg Nog, Singer J, Lady Spice, Fire Lion, Okonko, Silver Kid, War Face, John Gotti, Buss De Place, Eva Sparks and Brilliant.
