by Andre Jebbinson, Staff Reporter

One Third - Nathaniel Stewart

One Third could easily be dubbed the Jamaican Pied Piper. They sing and the crowd follows.

Recently at a concert in Clarendon, a scheduled Voicemail performance did not take place as a result of the fleeing patrons who rushed after their beloved One Third.

According to Al, one of the members of the group, the crowd just responds to their performance, they are not trying to outdo others.

"We believe in performing to the best of our abilities whether we go on first or last. Whosoever perform after us should be able to do as good as we did or better," Al said.

Oniel, speaking on behalf of Voicemail said it was not that the patrons left after One Third performed, but that they felt disrespected. When it was time for Voicemail to take the stage, they were wrongfully introduced as The Mighty Diamonds.

"You can't raise and drop the hype like that. One Third and Nickeisha Barnes already come with a hype and we were to build on that. Mighty Diamond dem a good artiste but they sing more culture song," Oneil said.

"It is critical how you organise the stage because de people dem will just get turn off. De people dem just decide fi cut after Mighty Diamond dem done. We did already feel disrespected, so we cut too."

With that aside, one would have thought that the group would be accustomed to being pulled to and from by their fans but the feeling is one that amazes the members each time it happens.

One event which stands out for each member also took place in Clarendon. One Third was performing at small venue when they were literally mobbed by fans.

Al left without his shirt, earrings and watch as a result of the mobbing. As if that was not bad enough, they were all subjected to their fans sticking their tongues in their ears, mouths and noses.

"I really don't know what's going on. I use to have my favourite artiste but I didn't behave like that. It's a blessing, though, for people to be behaving like this," Adrian, another group member said.

This does not mean that they do not recognise that this can be dangerous. Al says it can be frustrating at times, but they now have to prepare for the "tug-of-war" as they would a performance.

But since they are in the business of entertaining, the fan, craze is exactly what they need to stay alive. For that reason, they are trying to capitalise.

"We recognise that things are happening and we plan to work harder to do the things that people like about us," Adrian said.

This, treatment is not limited to them at the more popular places, but even in their own home towns. Having star status often means that days of joining lines are over. However, they find themselves spending a lot more time in the supermarket, interacting with fans.

But what is it that fans like about them?

Adrian said, "People think I am shy and they want a shy guy. I don't think shy is the right word though. I am reserved."

Al said it is him being his natural self. Miguel could not be reached for a comment.