Popcaan’s ‘Unruly Fest’ 2023 Comes To Anticlimactic End Under Police Orders
Unruly Fest—the highly anticipated concert spearheaded by Dancehall star Popcaan—came to an anticlimactic end due to orders from the police, which saw the entertainer publicly expressing outrage.
“It is time to go!” a uniformed policeman said on stage, as Popcaan and Cream Of The Crop artist Jahshii tried to bargain for just a few more minutes of performance time. Permission was granted for the event to end at 5:00 a.m.
“Uncle watch yah nuh, that’s why St. Thomas cyaa betta!” Popcaan retorted. “Cause unuh fight everything weh wi do. Mi tyad a unuh! Mi nuh like unuh, yout… unuh a violate di ting. Wah happen to unuh? St. Thomas cyaa betta wid dem ting yah.”
This isn’t the first time Poppy has expressed annoyance with the police. He has had run-ins with the law that resulted in him threatening to never host the festival in St. Thomas again. But, after a three-year hiatus (partially due to the coronavirus pandemic), it returned, and we’re almost sure that the Dun Rich deejay has become discouraged about hosting a fourth staging.
Social media users have been sharing their opinions about the controversial matter. Some agree with the Unruly Boss about what they describe as the police’s unconscionable actions. Others—not so much. They believe that enough time was granted.
“lol imagine..The police gave you leeway and allowed additional time, at 5am when it expired you’re going to say that’s why St. Thomas cyah better ? St. Thomas cyah better because unno nuh respect rules or regulations.. the model countries that “better” bet you wouldn’t try this?” one X user argued.
“If an artist believes he is the *savior* of a whole parish in his mind he is allowed to behave in any particular way and deem any opposition to it as *fight out ghetto yute*,” one more social media user coincided.
On the other hand, someone else noted that the deejay should’ve been allowed more grace because of his contribution to the development of the parish.
“When I drive through St Thomas I feel like I’m passing through a time machine. The parish has been neglected for decades. What Popcaan is doing for the parish with his show is immeasurable.”
Popcaan personally shared a post made by another promoter to his Instagram story to reiterate how unfairly he thought he was treated.
“All when the stage show go outta bush n nah disturb nobody it still a get lock off. Jamaica mek most a it money from tourism, only reason tourist interested ina Jamaica a because a reggae and dabcehall. Why uno deal wid the industry like we a commit crime, wah happen to the days when stage show coulda go till 12pm? …” the Sandz promoter said.
Thousands turned out to the Phillips Field Sports Complex in Yallahs to witness some of the top genre’s top-notch acts, including Chronic Law, Skillibeng, Najeeriii, and I-Wayne, but were also treated to several other surprise stars.
This included American rapper Quavo, who opted for a Jamaican coloured outfit, and evoked ear shattering screams across the open venue. He rendered a few songs from his catalog such as Bad and Boujee and I Get The Bag.
Grammy Award-winning superstar Sean Paul was also present to churn out classic after classic. He invited Chi Ching Ching for added flair to the energetic set.
Protoje was also present to show his support, much like Popcaan showed up to help surprise music fans at his very own Lost In Time Festival back in February.
Govana was another unexpected guest on the lineup.