Fabian Legister, Staff Reporter
ELEPHANT MAN
PULSE'S 25th anniversary weekend concluded with its latest instalment of Super Jam on Sunday.
The event boasted performances from Beenie Man, Elephant Man, Voice Mail, Tami Chynn, and Jamaican rock band Downstairs. Held at the elegant Hilton Ballroom, the night's moderate turnout enjoyed a wide variety of musical genres, beginning with the alternative rock flavour of Downstairs, leading into a superb performance from Jamaican songstress Tami Chynn. The 22-year-old singer wooed the audience with popular hits like Hyperventilating, and new single, Looky Looky.
"Performing was enjoyable ... it's a much better night than I expected," said Chynn, who recently signed a four-album deal with Universal.
MC François kept the night in stride despite a 20-minute delay, as promoters scrambled to reschedule the line-up, due to reggae legend Gregory Isaacs' inability to perform. Though in attendance, Isaacs could not grace the stage because of a hoarse throat. Nevertheless, the dance-driven performance of Voice Mail brought the 'jam' back into Super Jam, whipping the female patrons into a frenzy with dancing medley, Ready to Party, and Tribute to Mr. Wacky. The dance ambassadors gave the patrons a great performance which included their usual dance instructions, with assistance from dancer 'Wacky Dredd'.
The night's excitement went uphill thereon, as Beenie Man came on stage to screams of awaiting female patrons. He delivered a solid 45-minute performance, with superb backing from internationally acclaimed Rough Cut Band. The 'Doctor' performed a series of songs for the ladies like Toy Friend, and Be Mine, to the delight of a gathering of models at the front of the stage.
OLD SCHOOL HITS
The self-proclaimed 'King of the Dancehall' aptly defended his title, as he brought the remaining seated patrons to their feet with old school hits, including Ol' Dog, Sim-Simma, Memories, and Girls Dem Sugar. In closing, the doctor reminded Super Jam patrons that it was both his and the late Bogle's birthday (August 22), and dedicated a cover of Bob Marley's Redemption Song, in memory of the slain dancer.
Not to be outdone, Elephant Man verified his energetic title with a lengthy hour-long performance. After scolding the smoke machine operator for his overzealous efforts, the 'Energy God' went into a string of his local hits like Blaze, and Chaka Chaka, and to the delight of his female fans, began removing pieces of his outfit.
He went on to rebuke those whom he said spread rumours of him having HIV, and stated that he only has five children, one of which he immediately brought on stage. The female toddler, dubbed by Elephant as 'Baby Bling,' brought the house down with her dancing prowess, following her father with the 'Willie Bounce' and boasted superb balance as she inverted herself on to her 'head-top.'
"A di best of dem," Elephant exclaimed to the Super Jam audience as his daughter danced away.
There was an impromptu performance from General B, who did Nickie, and Bad Inna New Pants. before returning the mic to Elephant Man.
GLOBAL STATUS
Boasting his global artiste status, Elephant continued his performance with a string of international hits including Pon Di River, and Juk Gal. After calling up audience members on stage for a mock dancing competition, Elephant closed the show with a tribute to the late Mr. Wacky, bellowing a rendition of We Are The World.
To the dismay of many Super Jam attendants though, the event's All-inclusive status seemed a farce, as not only was there little food available, but after buying the $3,000 ticket, some patrons still ended up purchasing drinks.
As only three complimentary drink tickets were given upon entrance, the event was more accurately semi-inclusive.
Regardless, most patrons seemed satisfied with the night's outstanding performances. "This is not all-inclusive, but the performances were great," stated Kerry-ann, a Super Jam patron.
