Dancehall from the 2000s creates a ‘Magnum Xplosion’
Despite early signs of a rainy night last Friday, queues of dancehall devotees could be seen walking along the streets leading to the Melbourne Cricket Oval, where the finale of Magnum Tonic Wine’s regional series, Magnum Xplosion, was being held.
Fortunately, the light showers were welcomed by the patrons who arrived early to secure their spots to wait patiently for showtime.
The refreshing energy of the curtain openers, who included Magnum’s Dancehall King Bluugo and Queen Safiyya, Kash, and Devin Di Dakta, warmed the atmosphere for the segment that followed – dubbed the Magnum 2K segment.
The dancehall veterans definitely stood out where the performances were concerned.
Entertainers Chico, General B, Bling Dawg, Mr Lexx and Ward 21 graced the stage halfway through the show and effortlessly held the attention of patrons, easily riding the popular rhythms of the ‘90s and early 2000s.
There were enough highlights from that segment alone to write a book on the event, including the bedazzled jacket-wearing General B, who delivered a witty one droptype freestyle session about the suspected relationship between the event’s promoter, Romeich, and his artiste, Shenseea.
Lyrical teasers also came from dancehall’s prince, Mr Lexx, as he performed popular favourites Full Hundred, Cook, Let Those Monkeys Out and Ring Mi Cellie.
Following the segment, Chico said, “It was a great show and mix of the artistes that emerged in the era (‘90s and early 2000s) where Magnum Tonic Wine also became popular. The only thing missing to make the presentation all the more interesting was a live band instead of a selector shooting out the riddims.”
Though not part of the Magnum 2k lineup, some of the entertainers hailed Agent Sasco, formerly
Assassin, and Buju Banton
(though not present) for their contribution to the era.
Spice, too, did earlier tracks, like Jim Screechy, and expressed gratitude to fans who have been supporting dancehall and her career since before all the noise around it.
By the time Ding Dong and
The Ravers touched the stage, the patrons almost didn’t have enough energy left to dance to Flairy, Fling and Cha Cha Bwoy.