Rapper Soulja Boy could easily have stayed home, while Mavado's appearance at the 'Barefoot' party at Tropical Beach, Montego Bay, on Sunday night may have seen an exodus of 'Gazaites' to the 'Gully' side.

The talk on the lips of the hundreds who defied the thunderstorms in the west, just so Beenie Man, Lady Saw, Flippa Mafia, Soulja Boy, Vybz Kartel and Mavado could take centrestage at the fifth anniversary barefoot party states categorically, "Gully ruled supreme".

In a set, no less than 30 minutes long, Mavado had the mainly young crowd worshipping at his feet, some tugging on his pants, others ready to disrobe his bejeweled hand of its expensive diamond watch, while a large enough contingent of strong armed men stood watch.

private security guards

A count revealed four Jamaica Constabulary Force members, three private security guards and another group from the artiste's personal entourage.

But the need for strong security aside, Mavado was like a rock star drawing hit after hit from an impressive compilation of dancehall hymns choired by the majority in the crowd.

Distinguishing himself from the rest of the pack, Mavado brought a breath of fresh air to the event, placing involuntary shoes on the feet that needed covering at 'Barefoot 2009'.

From the wings, many who watched the scintillating performance were convinced that Vybz Kartel and the Portmore Empire could surpass the energy, but at 5:15 am on Monday when the leader of the Gaza pack exited the stage, they were prepared to sing, "Mavado Completely".

King of Dancehall, Beenie Man, usually a crowd favourite paled in comparison to his two counterparts, and that may have been caused by tiredness or the need for a new routine.

caustic tongue

Lady Saw tried to live up to her 'Ladylike' name by showing respect to the youngsters in the audience, and her performance eclipsed being lacklustre had she not endeared the crowd with 'recession, no free position' and 'Beggars Boy', using her caustic tongue to lash 'licky licky' men.

It was Soulja Boy that the large audience left home curious about, but he found it extremely difficult to deliver an unforgettable performance. In fact, his six foot tall, 300 lb bodyguards on stage, making up for his meager frame would have made more of an indelible mark than his Crank that Soulja Boy and Kiss me through the Phone songs.

For an event that started several hours late as a result of the rain, DJ Sky Juice's belly rolling antics created far more excitement and DJ Crazy Neil's class act will remain for years to come.

Others on the show included the talented six-year-old, Trish and her father, DJ Classical and Flippa Mafia, boasting a US$1,000 'Ace of Spade' bottle of champagne that he wasted onstage, while reneging on his promise to stop throwing money.

 

Left: The women literally worshipped at Mavado's feet during his spine-tingling and mind-blowing performance. Right: Rapper Soulja Boy had the young women going crazy in his first set of songs, but could not sustain the momentum.