Guinness' Erin Mitchell (second left) and the Guinness girls congratulate Wickerman on his award for supporting Follow Di Arrow for over a decade.

Guinness' Imru James greets entertainer Sizzla Kolange at Follow Di Arrow.

Guinness' Kamal Powell toasts Alicia Ann Carpio-Roxborough (centre) while the Guinness hostesses look on at Follow Di Arrow. - Contributed photos

Cocoa Tea, Freddie McGregor and George Nooks ensured that singers were well represented as Follow Di Arrow returned on Saturday night at the James Bond Beach, Oracabessa, after a one-year break.

They, along with other reggae veterans including Louie Culture, Professor Nuts, Buru Banton and Admiral Bailey, proved that there is still a place for artistes who might not have had a chart song in years, but who once dominated the charts.

It was also a night when promoter Dexton Ennis presented Wickerman with a trophy recognising his tremendous contribution to Follow Di Arrow, with the artiste having performed on every show since inception.

"The trophy mek mi feel real good, because, yuh know, a jus di other day mi lose mi fren Captain Barkey. This trophy, a going to cherish it for life, because to be out there working without Captain Barkey is not an easy thing," Wickerman told The STAR after the presentation.

The show started at 11 p.m., with several unknown acts. It was Droop Lion, who appeared a few minutes after midnight, that started the ascension, the crowd rising to songs such as Free Way and Mama Soon Come Back.

vast repertoire

As expected, Buju Banton created a storm with Boom Wah Dis, Major Mackerel caused quite a stir and Admiral Bailey proved he is still not done, using his 15 minutes to sample his vast repertoire.

Professor Nuts and Wickerman followed before George Nooks entered favourites like Tribal War, and God is Standing By.

Cocoa Tea got the biggest welcome up to that point. As usual, he never lets his fans down, taking them on a musical journey through hits such as Love Me, She Loves Me Now, Good Life, Rikers Island among others, performing even during a downpour.

Louie Culture, appearing at 3:15 a.m., was at his best, going through his catalogue of hits that includes Foundation From Birth, Gangalee, No Gal, Bogus Badge, Tune In, among others.

Freddie McGregor should know by now that his most popular song locally is Push Come to Shove and the audience reminded him, offering the biggest applause at the sound of the song's intro. Let Him Try also drew a huge response for the captain of the Big Ship.

Junior Reid was professional in his delivery, and Fantan Moja proved he still has it.

A band change to Ruff Kut and MC DJ Sunshine saw Agent Sasco opening that segment shortly before 5 a.m., to much fireworks.

But it was Lady Saw who was to get the biggest applause from the audience up to that point as she entered the stage sometime after, shortly before The STAR team exited the venue.

Entertainer Macka Diamond (left) relaxes backstage with Guinness' Rory Burchenson.

Guinness' Erin Mitchell (left) hangs out with Lady Saw at Follow Di Arrow.