Popcaan ‘humbled and incredibly proud to make history’

Dancehall superstar Popcaan earlier this month made history as the first dancehall artiste to sell out the iconic Crystal Palace Bowl in south London. This achievement also marks the first time a Jamaican artiste has accomplished such a feat since the legendary Bob Marley played a concert there, on the 1980 Uprising Tour.

“I am humbled and incredibly proud to make history here in London for my family and the entire Jamaica. This is a dream come true, and I want to thank all my Unruly fans for their unwavering support. Together, we’ve shown the world the power of dancehall music,” Popcaan, the leader of the Unruly camp is quoted in a press release.

This event, which was produced by Live Nation, reflects the genre’s growing influence and the powerful resonance of Jamaican culture in the global music landscape.

The Crystal Palace Bowl, renowned for its vibrant musical legacy, echoed with the pulsating beats and infectious rhythms of dancehall, drawing an exuberant crowd of more than 10,000.

“Popcaan’s unparalleled performance captivated fans, delivering a night of pure musical magic and cultural celebration. From his meticulously styled hair to his perfectly curated song selections, Popcaan proudly waved the Jamaican flag high, showcasing his immense talent to the world,” the release said.

Adding to the evening’s excitement, the Queen of Dancehall, Spice, graced the stage with a sensational performance. Her dynamic presence set the tone for an unforgettable night.

The event was also amplified by special guest appearances from Soun Bwoii, who ignited the stage with his viral hit Pump Up, and Damon Albarn, frontman of the renowned band Gorillaz. The crowd erupted with energy when Albarn and Popcaan performed their hit collaboration, Saturnz Barz.

Popcaan was also joined on stage by his younger brother, Natebadz, who performed their collaborative track, Warrior. The song brought a powerful energy to the show as the brothers united to deliver a great performance.

Reggae legend Luciano was among the distinguished guests in attendance to enjoy the show and lend his support. Also present was former Unruly Entertainment artiste, Chi Ching Ching, who joined in the celebration as a nod to his enduring connection with the Unruly family. The event also drew the attention of international stars like former Manchester United footballer Patrice Evra and actor Michael Ward, known for his role in the hit Netflix series, Top Boy, both of whom attended to show their support and appreciation for Popcaan’s historic night.

This sold-out event, the release said, “is a testament to Popcaan’s artistry, the universal appeal of dancehall music and Popcaan’s relentless drive and passion ensure that the future of dancehall remains bright and influential on the global stage”.

Andrae Hugh Sutherland, known the world over as Popcaan, started his life of musical excellence, years ago in St. Thomas. Popcaan spent those early years sharpening his musical skills and focusing completely on the only career he ever wanted, a mind-set, which served him well when he moved to Portmore.

It was there in 2007, the artiste he admired the most, Portmore’s own Vybz Kartel, saw him perform at a talent show and invited him to be a part of the Portmore Empire. Kartel then readily stepped into the role of being Popcaan’s producer and mentor, introducing him at major shows such as Sting and Reggae Sumfest. Memorable singles such as Street Vybz, Vision, No Ordinary Girl, enchanted the airwaves soon after.

Then came the unstoppable juggernaut, the collab with Kartel titled Clark’s, which cemented the young artiste’s career in dancehall, giving Sutherland Excellence in Music and Entertainment (EME) Awards for Best New Artiste, and Collaboration of the Year. The song itself was named Song of the Year – Dancehall.

Popcaan has since toured the world, sending audiences into an uproar in the Caribbean, Europe, The United Arab Emirates, and South America.

entertainment@gleanerjm.com