Minaj takes the stage tonight

Reggae Sumfest's International Night II, which begins later tonight at The Catherine Hall Entertainment Complex, has much to live up to.

Despite the absence of R. Kelly on International Night I, Reggae Sumfest has been superb.

Adding that to the brilliant performances on Thursday's Dancehall Night, headliner Nicki Minaj, though a monster act, should be nervous.

Minaj, having never performed before a Jamaican audience, may not know that local crowds are notoriously hard to please.

That said, Minaj is a bombshell and one of two women (Lady Gaga being the other) dominating the United States music industry in no uncertain terms.

Minaj will have with her some big names out of Jamaica as well, who have, over time, earned the status of international stars.

Wayne Wonder, who has lived in the United States for the past few years, only performed before a big stage last year during The Guinness 'Tribute to the Greats'. At the time, he had sounded in good nick and has promised a good show, backed by a recent collaboration with Mya, to get fans going.

Many will also be interested in what Jah Cure has to offer. His rise to international stardom is deserved, and his performances have been stamped by class. The line-up outside of those stars is impressive. Gyptian, Protoje, Chalice, Cherine Anderson, George Nooks and others are likely to be hits.