Magnum Xplosion rocks T&T

The third instalment of Magnum Xplosion stage show series, Magnum Xplosion Inferno, rolled into Port of Spain recently and saw exceptional performances from Barrington Levy, Sizzla Kalonji, Capleton and Busy Signal.

Despite intermittent showers, the crowd of well over 5,000 people were unmoved and determined to enjoy the show to the end.

The night's opening act, Levy, was welcomed by loud shouts of his most popular song lyrics. His set, that lasted over 35 minutes included crowd-pleasers Black Roses, Too Experienced, Here I Come and Prison Oval Rock.

In a proud display of musical camaraderie, the veteran singer declared that Chronixx was his 'little singer' and endorsed the young artiste's sample of his Prison Oval Rock for Spanish Town Rocking.

Sizzla Kalonji then brought the fire in a strong set that would last for the next hour.

Belting out hit after hit, Sizzla warned the audience against being influenced by evil, calling for peace in Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago.

Praise Ye Jah, Solid As A Rock, Thank You Mama, Dry Cry and Black Woman and Child evoked karaoke-like responses from the audience, with the large crowd commandeering the performance.

A band change would see DJ Scrappy and the Magnum Vixens bringing Magnum's style of extreme energy and dancehall entertainment to a fervent Trinidadian audience.

Capleton lamented several injustices and issues of crime. Staying true to his 'fireman' reputation, the artiste, decked out in a suit modelled after the flag of Trinidad and Tobago, proceeded to 'dash a fire'.

St Mary Mi Come From, Slew Dem, Jah Jah City and That Day Will Come helped to solidify what would be one of the most electrifying sets of the night.

Gravity-defying jumps, flips and crescendos from 'King Shango' and the David House Band brought his reign of fire to an end, the crowd moving in unison to the final beat.

Headliner Busy Signal touched the Magnum Xplosion Inferno stage in the wee hours of the morning.

The dancehall act was prepared with an armory of hits, including Step out, One More Night, Come Over, Bedroom Bully and These Are The days.

Recent release Stay So was a favourite among the Trini audience, receiving several pull-ups.

Brand Marketing Manager for Magnum in the region, Kamal Powell, noted that so far, the series has been to Guyana and Barbados as well.

"This staging has been our most successful and we are excited to see what will come next," Powell said. The next Magnum Xplosion event takes place on August 11 in The Bahamas.