450’s first live concert a success

The inaugural staging of the '450 Live in Kingston' concert has reaped its intended benefits after the city was booming with the high-level performances from the dancehall superstar and his colleagues last Saturday.

Music producer and 450's manager, Jahvel Jahvy Ambassador' Morrison, told THE STAR that the event delivered on the expectations.

"[I'm] pleased to see the turnout of the fans and most importantly them enjoying themselves. We still haven't finished final counts as yet but we'll make it public as soon as we're done. But it seems obviously [there was] a couple thousand [patrons] well," he said.

The creative musical spectacle was incorporated with not just music but an infusion of acting, a selector showdown with live interactive music and a marching band. The live juggling which began about 8 p.m. included the DJs' creative spins on the musical selections, being infused with a mix of storytelling and spontaneous commentary which kept the audience engaged.

Though the stage performances were set to start at midnight, the patrons were hooked and unbothered when the opening act graced the stage at exactly 1:47 a.m. That paved the way for 'Dancehall Cinderella,' Ishawna, to deliver her sensual hits. Then, charged with a unique drum roll that transcended into a live marching band intro, 450 was introduced in true superstar style by Billboard selector Boom Boom at 2:12 a.m. The show's electrifying energy escalated very quickly as 450 hit the stage with his popular single, Live n' Learn, after which he introduced some of dancehall's big names like Valiant and Vanessa Bling, while also showcasing several fast-rising acts such as Rushawn..

In an exclusive interview with THE STAR, 450, whose given name is Tristen Escoffery, said it was a special moment to do his first live concert in his home town.

"A dem thing yah mi and mi team dida work fah from taller time, suh fi know seh wi pull it through, it's a great joy mi feeling," he said. "[Kingston] a mi home town suh yuh know wi definitely affi fawud and represent weh mi forward from and show back some love and support and a just dat wi did waah execute."

"Mi enjoy di whole show; mi enjoy di fans dem, dem reception was special," he added with a smile.

Though 450 has been travelling and headlining a number of major events, Jahvy Ambassador agreed that the Kingston leg of the artiste's '450 Tour' was indeed a 'special moment'.

"I think it was important to show his local fan base what he's capable of in his home country," shared Jahvy Ambassador. When asked if the event will now be an annual part of 450's itinerary, he replied: "We just want the fans to keep an eye out and stay tuned for the update as we keep working".

450, who came on the music scene in 2019, has racked up several major corporate deals while delivering hits. In a proud exchange on stage between him and Aidonia, 450 was given the 'stamp of approval'.

"Unuh haffi respect him. Yuh see tonight, this name 'Crown 450 and send him in the big league', 'cause this wah happen nuh normal. This show that the people love you. This show that the people support you. This show that yuh a do good music," Aidonia shared as he resumed to an intense sing-off with Bayka, which riled up the waving crowd.

After delivering a few more of his crowd favourites such as Journey, and Bad Gyal, 450 shared his appreciation to his team and supporters before the event ended about 3:15 a.m. He is slated for another show in Linstead before continuing his 450 Tour in Guyana, after which he will be leaving for his other international shows before concluding the tour on August 17 with a '450 Community Treat and Concert'.