Long live the Queen - Carlene fêted at birthday celebration

Just like the video light was fixated on her across events in the '90s, cameras were again on Carlene Smith as she celebrated her birthday at The Meca in Kingston on Tuesday night.

Though the 'Dancehall Tuesdays' host had her own VIP section, she was rarely there, instead mingling with loved ones and supporters, stopping to take photos and videos. Tributes poured in for the original dancehall queen, including toasts to her contribution to dancehall and her philanthropic efforts.

In a set-up with Stone Love's Randy Rich, entertainer Trippple X challenged Carlene to do her iconic 'butterfly' dance move, and with the drop of Beenie Man and Chevelle Franklin's Dancehall Queen, Carlene assumed the position and gave attendees a piece of her creation.

"When everybody a skin up dem nose pon dancehall, Carlene was the ambassador that brought it to the world, that brought prestige to the 'Dancehall Queen' crown," Trippple X said. "You have many weh follow inna yuh footsteps ... but nobody has reached your level of notoriety with this crown, and mi like weh you a do with your career right now, a help people... ."

He called up singjay D'Angel, who had earlier done an a cappella rendition of Stronger for Carlene, and the entertainer wished her success and greatness.

FEMALE SUPPORT

"You're fabulous; fabulous then, fabulous even more now, and I had to be here because together as females, we are stronger. So, we have to embrace each other and support each other as females. That's the only way we a go survive," she said.

D'Angel called up Carlene's daughter, Crystal Davis, who grew emotional before finishing her short speech. She told THE STAR that she wished Carlene many more blessings, riches, wealth and happiness.

"I just wish her the best and for her to just keep being the human being she's been, inside and out. You know the loving heart that she always has, not just for me, but for others around her," she said. The female support continued with Lisa Hyper revealing that Carlene was a primary inspiration for her initial dance ambitions. The tale was similar for Mad Michelle, who recalled being in awe of the "dolly" she saw on TV, who inspired her to be a dancer. Olympian-turned-artiste DecaJams described her as a humanitarian and trendsetter. Praises also came from Pamputtae, Razor B and Renee SixThirty.

Carlene's proceeds from the party (including donations) will go towards cancer care at the Bustamante Hospital for Children. Her business partner, Michael Dawson, commended Carlene's use of dancehall to bring awareness to such issues and improve lives. Carlene, who recently shaved her head to support her sister's battle with cancer, rocked a hot- pink lace unit in honour of the cause.

"I love the turnout," Carlene told THE STAR. "You don't take anything for granted. You invite people, they make the effort. It's a Tuesday and they're still here, and I totally appreciate it."