by Krista Henry, Staff Reporter

Kadianne, Jhenelle, Asari, Camille and Corin decided to show Brianna (2nd left) who traveled from New York for the Independence celebration, a good time, and what better way to celebrate than at RTI Party 'Stages' in Negril.

Black Chiney stole the show at 'Stages' held at the Long Bay football field, last Saturday night.

A part of the RTI weekend, 'Stages' got off to a late start but slowly reached capacity as patrons filled the venue. With a Chinese-themed decor, Chinese food and an open bar, patrons were well on their way to getting drunk by midnight. Deejay Christoff from Renaissance Disco brought an early vibe with rap tunes from Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre and others. It was when he hit the old school dancehall that people really started dancing to Living Dangerously, Vegas' Hands Up and others.

Deejay Christoff continued to hit the dancehall tunes till after 10 p.m. when Renegade took the turntables with the dancing tunes that had persons 'crazy hyping', 'hopping the ferry' and signalling the plane'. The newly released Jah Cure was in the building as the selector bigged him up over the mike.

Deejay Bambino from Miami brought an eclectic mix of music as he started off with 'Rum Ram', Kartel's 'Wine pon yu' and others. With a complete switch Bambino played some hardcore rock music that had patrons bobbing their heads and jumping up and down with excitement.

Then it was time for Black Chiney who began with the national anthem which was sung by Elephant Man. Four dancers in red and black then took the stage and with sparks of fire works, the dancers began as they pranced and lifted one another in the air. The fire breathers came on stage showing off their antics as well.

The crowd obviously enjoyed the set as they took pictures of the dancers. Black Chiney was the first sound to strike out against competing party Appleton Temptation Isle as they exclaimed, "Look at what we have, but some man a throw 'Pip N Ting'. ATI don't have fireworks." An explosion of fireworks resumed, as the sky lit with colours.

Black Chiney kept the pace set as they invited the ladies onstage to 'hot wuk'. The vibe really took off as they drew a dub that were made for 'Fully Loaded' which they never got to play. Vegas' voice rang out as he sang a tune for Sharon Burke, "We nuh waa pay from yu, we a readdy get de ——— from you". When the Star team left the venue after 3 a.m., the party was in full swing.

Reggae Singer Jah Cure tried to do an almost impossible thing; enter the RTI Party 'Stages' unnoticed, where thousands of his adoring fans were. - Mark Titus Photos