Pan '18 - a big street dance

The 90s reigned supreme at PAN 2018  Held at the National Stadium car park on Sunday, the event took thousands of patrons back to one of the best eras in Jamaican culture- the 90s.

It was a grand fiesta like no other, as the dancehall of the 90s was relived with multiple sound boxes strung up across the venue, and the smell of jerked chicken whisping through the air. Pan 2018 felt like a big street dance.

Classic hits from artistes such as Wayne Wonder, Nadine Sutherland, Terror Fabulous, Buju Banton and many others, had patrons dancing up a storm long before the action on stage got under way. Then, when it was time for persons to switch their attention to the stage, they were thoroughly entertained. First by the effervescent Miss Kitty who acted as the evenings emcee. The experienced host had guests laughing non stop as she engaged members of the audience in some fun games and activities. 

The 90s theme continued as the first two of the four artistes booked to perform graced the stage. Dancehall artiste Ghost was the opening act. The singer was a dominating figure in the 90s,  and he was a fitting addition to the show in keeping with the theme.  He received a warm welcome from the audience who were down to take the walk down memory lane with the singer's unique sound.

However, after going through his extensive catalogue for 20 minutes,  patrons seemed to have grown weary. As his performance continued, they became increasingly more agitated, some voicing their disapproval of the length of time he was given on stage pointing out that with a catalogue comprising mostly of covers, they would have appreciated a shorter stint. Nevertheless, the entertainer came to work and that he did until his time was up.

Wayne Wonder too took patrons on a nostalgic journey, belting out hits including; No letting Go, Saddest Day, Keep Them Coming, Searching and Love and Affection. His set was better received, as he had the audience singing and rocking along as he churned out hit after hit. He brought things back full circle, and prepared the crowd for two of dancehall's newest sensations - Romeich entertainment's prince and princess, Ding Dong and Shenseea who closed the night.

The CB Pan competition is Jamaica's largest food festival, with over one million dollar in cash and prizes for the top three contestants. At the end of the night, Lesma Huie from Clarendon walked away with the top prize as Pan 2018 champion, followed by Aldane Allen from Hanover, and Andre Lawson of St James.