Munga eager to ignite Reggae Sumfest stage

If his rehearsals are anything to go by, then dancehall artiste Munga Honourable will deliver a phenomenal performance on Friday night.

Epitomising the essence of what it means to be 'likkle but tallawah', the small-in-stature entertainer was a huge fireball of energy during his set run-through a few weeks ago.

Clad in a simple white T-shirt and blue jeans pants, Munga entered the studios of Downsound Records with a silence that left THE WEEKEND STAR team questioning whether or not he really wanted to be there. But, we were left in awe at his level of professionalism when he approached the session as if he were already on stage at Catherine Hall in Montego Bay.

The voice that emanated from the microphone as he opened his mouth did not match his appearance. It was as if someone else took over his body while he performed. Yes, performed. His energy and aura were so magnetic that the team quickly forgot that the session was just a practice run. It felt like the real deal, as the entertainer had us dancing and singing along to hits like Earthquake, Take My Place, Flippin' Rhymes and Bad From Me Born.

If one has somehow forgotten that the extent of the artiste's catalogue, be prepared to be pleasantly reminded of why he was once one of dancehall's leading male deejays, and why time has not been able to erase the mark he has made on the industry.

Clearly excited about his pending performance, Munga told THE WEEKEND STAR that he is looking forward to thrilling the crowd with a mixture of old and current hits.

"It's an invigorating feeling to be part of the whole Sumfest experience, and I'm really excited. This is the biggest reggae/dancehall show in the island, and so to be involved is a wonderful feeling," he said. "It's been approximately nine years since I last touched the Sumfest stage, so me just a give thanks."

When asked if the Reggae Sumfest stage will be where he reclaims his stake on the dancehall throne, the entertainer said he has nothing to prove to anyone. He said that his biggest aim for Sumfest is to ensure his fans are thoroughly entertained and that he has fun.

"If the critics are saying so, then that's on them, but I know for me, I'm just going out there to enjoy myself and make sure my fans enjoy themselves. I want to make it memorable for them. The aim would be to make sure I do very well, but me nah pressure miself. Music is about fun, joy, and I'm going out there to entertain. I think we have a beautiful set lined up for Sumfest," he said.