Sizzling end to Sashi - Promoter pleased with outcome after festival returns

Despite a slew of setbacks and curveballs that threatened to derail Saturday night's grand return of Sashi, the event promoter, Horatio Hamilton, expressed satisfaction with the event's outcome. At the same time, the promoter said he is undeterred and hopeful for the future of the festival.

From a chaotic entrance, due to a vehicular mishap, to disgruntled attendees demanding refunds after hours of waiting, the night seemed destined for disaster. However, Hamilton refused to let setbacks define the event, pushing through to salvage what he could.

"I was pleased with everything. It was a pleasant and excellent second coming, and there's greatness to come," Hamilton said.

He added: "I am really pleased. The last Sashi was 22-years ago, so most of these younger people under 40 [years old] don't have any experience of what Sashi really is; so for them to experience the first one with a [large number] of patrons and did so great, I am pleased."

Sashi, which was making a return for the first time in 22 years, was rocked by the withdrawal of two of the main acts, American singer Keyshia Cole and rapper Busta Rhymes, due to what was described as "unforeseen circumstances".

Unfavourable weather conditions also put a damper on the festivities, forcing organisers to delay the start until 11 p.m., which is some five hours later than the initial time.

The night came alive with the electrifying presence of Wyclef Jean, who effortlessly balanced hosting duties with nostalgic performances, reviving the crowd with hits from the '90s. The prolific singer served up hits from his catalogue, including his popular Fugees single, Ready or Not with Lauryn Hill and Pras Michel, which slowly but eventually took the audience to another level. Soon after, he jumped into his hosting duties while alternating and balancing both roles throughout the night seamlessly as he dropped some of his other classics such as Two Wrongs, featuring City High.

The energy soared thereafter, as international superstars like Jadakiss and Ne-Yo delivered commanding performances. Bounty Killer and Tifa further ignited the crowd, leading up to a memorable finale featuring rising stars like Rajah, Bayka, Najeeriii, Valiant and Sgee Vehnom. The energy reached its peak when Skeng took the stage, turning the venue into a frenzy with his infectious tracks.

Hamilton was more than pleased with the way the night turned out.

"I think it was a success [because] with the [postponement] of the times, to artistes not showing up and all the rumours that surround it ... I'm very pleased," the promoter said.