Pamputae shows off her 'wining skills'. - Tashieka Mair photos

WESTERN BUREAU

A controversial end marred the fifth staging of the Westmoreland Dancehall Queen competition at the Orchard Guest House, Savanna-la-Mar over the Easter weekend.

Spectators who had already decided their winner after the first round, and favourite Latoya 'Angel' McGreggor, who was eventually named Westmoreland's Dancehall Queen 2K9, protested the judges' decision of a tie with contestant Shalara Gayle.

The judges claimed that McGreggor walked off the stage before ending her performance, a no-no in the competition. However, after discussion among the organisers, contestants and judges, it was a tearful McGreggor who collected her trophy and $20,000.

Gayle received a trophy and $10,000 for her second-place performance while third place went to Anika McGreggor, who received a cash prize of $5,000 after performing acrobatic and cheeky dance moves.

Eight contestants were booked to compete but only four performed as the others pulled out at the last minute.

The dancehall queen competition started five years ago and was the brainchild of Sydoney Cunningham, who partnered with Klassic Promotions and Ketcha Fire Entertainment to introduce a different form of entertainment that Westmorelites were not used to.

This year was especially memorable for attendees who were entertained by one of the fresher faces on the dancehall scene, Pamputae, who could do no wrong as she had the audience on their toes. Her provocative lyrics were crowd-pleasers as she 'educated' her female fans about relationships and methods to maintain relationships.

Patrons were kept sweating on the dance floor, dancing to the musical juggling of deejays Kwaku Vybez of Linkz FM, Tony High-grade and Denny Hype of Timberland.

From left: Winner Latoya McGreggor, Anika McGreggor, third-place winner, and Shalara Gayle, second-place winner of the Westmoreland Dancehall Queen competition.