Left: Bugle at the height of his performance. Right: Tarrus putting down some lyrics for the crowd. - Winston Sill photos

A multitude of artistes shined on stage for the first edition of Flowers a Bloom: the Crowning of ZJ Rose' last Saturday night at The Pantry in New Kingston.

With a low turnout, but a performance slate fit for any top stage show, Flowers A Bloom' was a mixed showing for the lady of the moment, promoter and 'crownee' ZJ Rose.

Rose made a quiet entrance into the event minutes to 3 a.m. and hours after the start of the show. Hosted by Pretty Boy Floyd, Flowers A Bloom brought a touch of comedy, a nice ambience and short but spicy performances. Smaller acts, such as Roslyn, Delus, Rattigan, Ras Shiloh and Culture Lion, all performed with good response, but it was movers and shakers such as Jah Cure and others that made the most impact.

instant response

Having another event in Negril on the same night, Jah Cure made an early appearance. Dressed in full black, the singer got an instant response as he commented, "All di ladies it's your night tonight. Big up ZJ Rose, you a di first lady," before going into Longing For and Call On Me.

Ras Penco, who was later joined by Ginjah, had the audience singing along, while Andrew and Wada Blood brought energy to the stage with Hustla for Life. Fyah King got a decent forward as he crooned for the ladies and DeMarco later 'sorted' the crowd out. Cameras were whipped out for Bugle, who sang a verse a capella before coming on stage to perform What Have I Done,Supremacy and Journey.

Later, Alaine's sweet voice washed over the crowd with Sacrifice before saying, 'Its ZJ Rose's crowning and I came to support her, I know this is her favourite song," she said before going Deeper And Deeper. She was then joined by Tarrus Riley with Forever More.

Macka Diamond performing at the Crowning of ZJ Rose show.

Alaine surprised the crowd by announcing that it was Riley's birthday and sang for him while encouraging the crowd to join in. As Alaine exited, Riley continued on stage for Backbiter and Beware, promising more songs later.

A brief musical interlude from Renaissance ensued as Romain Virgo took the stage, followed by Pressure and Assassin, who was one of the few dancehall acts billed. Assassin made an impression with the ladies as he said, "Who can live in a country and not voice dem opinion," before going into Pree Dis.

Macka Diamond, alongside Unicorn, made a guest appearance as Tanya Stephens had the females stepping up to get a better view of the lyricist. Abandoning the 'matey/ wifey' arguments for the night, Stephens instead laughingly asked the crowd, "Has anyone been having a drink, cause I know I have," going into Cherry Brandy. Songs like After You and In These Streets made an impact before Riley ended the night with Love Reigns with Bugle and a guest appearance from Merciless after 4 am.

This couple had fun dancing at the Crowning of ZJ Rose show, held at the Boardwalk, The Pantry, Dumfries Road, New Kingston on Saturday night, April 25.