Dazzling Iyahblazze rocks New York; I-Octane cops Linkage Entertainer of the Year award

Adrian Frater, News Editor

Western Bureau:

On a night in which I-Octane walked away with the coveted Entertainer of the Year Award, it was House of Leeds singjay Iyahblazze who had the fans jumping with delight as he stole the spotlight at the second Linkage Radio Award at The Macedonia Centre in Mount Vernon, New York, on Saturday night.

Iyahblazze, who was making his New York debut, had the exquisitely clad patrons, including City of Mount Vernon Mayor Clinton Young, jumping and dancing as he unleashed a performance which evoked memories of his blazing set at Sting 2010.

After opening cautiously with the song, Woman, the versatile Iyablazze, who was clad in full red to include his turban, went into overdrive and the patrons went with him as he reeled of What If, and then all but brought the house down with the song Rasta, which he had to stop almost after every line as the patrons went wild.

When Iyahblazze exited the stage, loud scream of "more" erupted. The MC tried to explain that no encores would be allowed but the patrons ignored him. They finally got their wish when Iyahblazze was called back and he redid the song Rasta, drawing more appreciative screams.

"Iyahblazze, a tonight yu really buss,"shouted Freddie McGregor, who was on his feet rocking as Iyahblazze completed his set.

In fact, the entire night was one of rich performances as the various Jamaican acts sparkled, giving the patrons, who had turned up for what was a red-carpet affair at the exquisitely decorated Macedonia Centre, a night to remember.

I-Octane, who received the Most Consistent Artiste Award alongside his Entertainer of the Year Award, played a highly entertaining set, which reached fever-pitch levels when he sang top hits Lose a Friend and Mama You alone.

When he exited the stage, the fans, especially the ladies, who clearly could not get enough of him, flocked an obviously pleased I-Octane.

Female deejays D'Angel, who took home the Female Deejay of The Year Award, and Lady G, who seemed particularly pleased to be performing before her mother, showed why they are so highly respected in dancehall circles, digging generously into their respective collections to thrill the fans.

Reggae giants Ernie Smith and Freddie McGregor, who were both inducted into the Linkage Radio Hall of Fame and who got special Lifetime Achievement Awards, reminded the audience of their awesome musical power, soothing and satisfying with many of their trademark hits.

For the McGregor family - the Big Ship crew - it was an absolutely fantastic night as Chino took home the Recording Artiste of the Year Award, and his brother Stephen the Producer of the Year Award.

Blazing set

While the night's performances were dominated by Jamaica-based artistes, it was interesting to note that Ed Robinson, who is now based in New York, also delivered a blazing set. After receiving a special Veterans Award, he gave an energetic performance, which he topped off by showing that he was still a master drummer.

J Yungg, the second of the House of Leeds artistes on the show, showed why he is so big on the Internet, surprising the audience with his rap/reggae flavour song, Moving Up, which many persons thought was done by an established American rapper.

Former top-flight dancehall deejay Papa Bigga showed he has not lost his sting as he reeled off a string of classic lyrics, even as he reminded patrons not to forget incarcerated reggae star Buju Banton, and called for the US government return the visas of several top Jamaican entertainers.

Photos by Adrian Frater