Jamaica start Moscow party - Usain Bolt the centre of attraction

 Andre Lowe, Senior Staff Reporter

MOSCOW, Russia:

"Ting a ling a ling/dancehall in swing/dancehall in swing/ DJ dem stock up eena pure boom riddim!"

Shabba Ranks' 1992 hit single pierced the uneasy calm of the Moscow afternoon.

Jamaican flags danced proudly in a steady afternoon breeze, almost rhythmically to the pounding bass lines and teasing snares.

Hundreds packed the Puma Social Club, situated snuggly inside Moscow's aesthetically pleasing Gorky Park, and even more tried to make their way inside.

Moscow had probably never seen anything like it before, the closest thing they will ever see to an authentic Jamaican party; reggae, dancehall, short shorts, colourful tights and hair - you name it!

Gorky Park is the place to be seen in Moscow, and kit sponsors Puma made certain everyone knew the Jamaicans were in town for the IAAF Word Championships in Athletics, offering a near-perfect 'Jamrock' experience to those who made it inside and less so to those who lined the perimeter fence.

Even IAAF Vice-President Sergey Bubka could not help rocking himself almost into a trance to the Jamaican beats.

Firebrand reggae act Capleton seems to have a decent following here, who would have thought?

Selections

Chuck Fenda's I Swear, Richie Spice's Marijuana, Konshen's Bubble, Super Cat's Rude Boy Youth and Popcaan's Party Shat blazed through the speakers with seemingly intoxicating effect.

A splash of Jamaica's colours coated the stage area with the brand and perhaps the country's most famous face, Usain Bolt, present at every turn on posters and wall splashes.

After all, he was the main attraction and soon, the double world record-holder and Olympic champion was on the stage itself, minding the turntables with Russian DJs.

"I heard that Moscow has 10 million more women than men. Hello ladies."

Bolt was in his element, probably forgetting for a second or two that he was actually in Moscow and not at a street dance in Kingston.

First visit

"It's my first time here and I'm pretty excited to be here," Bolt added during a brief question-and-answer session.

Minutes later, his chair was replaced by skimpily clad dancing, well-whining girls; smoke effects; and DJ Chagin and DJ Pirumov from local system Flammable Beats, the massive crowd working up a frenzy as the sun began to set.

Where Jamaica is, there is going to be a party and finally, the Russians have been fully initiated.

"Welcome to Jamrock!"

Damian Marley's realistic take on life in Jamaica, a fitting curtain closer to an event that has no doubt left a colourful dent in Russian culture.