Junior Reid - Winston Sill

Veteran artiste Junior 'One Blood' Reid was having a perfect birthday celebration, but that quickly came to an end when members of Vybz Kartel's entourage were involved in an altercation with police personnel managing the stage area.

The event, which was held last Saturday night at the Sugar Man's beach club in Hellshire, St Catherine, saw a sizeable crowd turnout and some magnificent performances - among them, Sizzla, Capleton and Cocoa Tea.

However, the show came to a premature end when men from Kartel's entourage attempted to force their way onstage while he (Kartel) was performing. They were blocked by the lawmen, who then demanded that the stage area be cleared.

The men reportedly refused to comply, leading to an open confrontation. As soon as Kartel was alerted as to what was happening, he dropped the microphone and left immediately.

The 'ruption' caused patrons to panic, while others voiced their disgust. Junior Reid attempted to calm things down, but it wasn't enough, as the patrons began to make their way out of the venue, this around five o' clock in the morning.

When contacted, a police corporal who was said to be involved in the incident disclosed his version of what took place.

"It's just bad entertainers. Him (Kartel) had an entourage of about 30 men. The police that were there working told them not to enter the stage," the policeman told THE STAR.

bomb-rush the stage

Although the scene appeared to be very frantic, the corporal said that no physical contact took place. "No one was physically abused. If you can get a video clipping, you will see. They just wanted to bomb-rush the stage, so the police decided to lock it off," added the police corporal.

Earlier, the best part of the show started from the appearance of long-time sound-system selector Sky Juice, who jumped and pranced onstage while entertaining the crowd during a very energetic set.

That made way for incredible performances from the ever-blazing Capleton, Sizzla and man of the moment, Junior Reid.

Onstage, the men stood as giants and one by one, they made the patrons feel that their money was well spent. Sizzla, who had a hit song on every rhythm possible, commented, "Me nuh deh a Sugar Man beach, a Rasta man beach me deh," as he delivered a few of his older hits.

Capleton was no less productive, and with the crowd loving his high energy, he mastered his time on-stage with Free Up and Jah Jah City. Junior Reid impressively ended the onslaught with One Blood.

D'Angel, who was seen backstage engaged in a conversation with Beenie Man, had the crowd going wild during her performance. The singer grabbed the attention of the audience, giving them the First Lady treat, before doing Stronger.

Young bloods, Andrew and Wada, combined well in their set, as the crowd could not keep still.

Bascom X, in his hometown, made an efficient contribution before making way for fast-rising artiste Ras Penko and Fyahkin, while I Octane did not disappoint.