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October 17, 2007
Radio Disc Jockeys rule at 45 Cure
By: Joseph Cunningham
Reggae music selectors, who apply their skills mainly within the studios of radio stations, were in their element at 45 Cure, the second of three events that constitute Curefest.
It featured friendly rivalries between the most popular sound system selectors and radio disc jockeys in Jamaica.
The Yardflex team arrived at the venue shortly after mid-night, and was greeted by the sounds of Kentucky, the system that kept the vibes going until the more recognizable turntables appeared. Kentucky did a good job of keeping the then small gathering involved. Minutes before 1:00 AM evidence of the rains that had been lashing the island days before, left the impression that patrons were probably guessing whether or not the frontal troth had left the island.
MC Nuffy ascended the stage close to 1:15AM, and like a magnetic force, patrons began streaming in shortly after he began his antics, causing one early bird to ask, "A Nuffy dem did a wait pon?"
The process of digesting dancehall drama began from the very first selector. Nuffy introduced Johnny Kool, a radio jockey from Zip 103; and Johnny was not in a cool mood, as he unleashed a barrage of some of the hottest favourites in history. Sizzla, Capleton and Anthony Cruz were his most memorable selections that reminded the competition, "Dem bwoy deh nuh inna wi class."
Digital Chris from the stables of Irie FM followed, and he did a good set, ending on a high note with an exclusive collaboration that featured Jah Cure and Munga Honourable.
Black Chiney then took the event to a higher level. They displayed tremendous skill whilst selecting some songs that had already been played, still receiving strong response from the audience. The loud responses to Black Chiney made it obvious that the audience in the venue had now grown considerably.
The first casualty of the morning was a freelance sound selector called, G.I.-Joe. Adorned in an army suite, he took his "booes" bravely. It took Zip Joc Nikki Z to restore the interest of the patrons. Her criticisms of G.I. Joe brought rapturous sounds from the crowd at Pier 1. Jigsy of the Danger Zone sound delivered an energetic set, and so did DJ Liquid.
The man of the night was DJ Wayne of Irie Fm. He dismantled the competition mercilessly, assassinating every recognizable sound system and radio jock except for DJ Liquid and Nikki Z who he said were his friends. Exclusive dubs from Bounty Killer, Vybz Kartel and Mavado gave DJ Wayne the victory without a doubt; and when he was finished patrons began trickling out of the venue, seemingly convinced that none could have bettered Wayne.
All who followed were in great danger of failing to connect with the audience in the aftermath of hurricane Wayne. The two closing acts, GT Taylor and Renaissance declined from responding to Wayne. They delivered their sets with reasonable success.
At the end of the event my only suggestion to the Iyah Cure production team is that they should consider making 45 Cure an official sound and have selectors "Clash."