"It was not about me, dem run guh foreign go get R Kelly, but seet deh now only Coco Tea can save it," chanted the pint- sized entertainer from out of Clarendon when he took centrestage at the Reggae Sumfest International Night I on Friday night.

Coco Tea's spontaneous song had the crowd in stitches, and the singer milked it for all it was worth.

"I was not billed for the show...only Rastaman can cross it," continued the smooth chant from the singer to more laughter.

After some more of his classic gems which included Rikers Island and Tune In, Coco Tea was back to his favourite topic for the night, R Kelly's absence. "R Kelly come five years ago and drop him pants... Cocoa T a sing him nuh response, foreign artiste a charge couple million, but dis rastaman a charge a few grand, di likkle short man from Clarendon nuh ramp!" the chant continued to loud shouts.

Then it was time for more of his hits with Israel's King, Holy Mount Zion and Lost My Sonia. When Cocoa T made his exit at 1:47 Saturday morning, there was no doubt he had connected with the entertainment-hungry crowd.

Following such an explosive performance it was time for the king of lovers rock Hugh Beresford Hammond, who made his entrance on stage to loud screams of appreciation as he launched into What Can You Do his Sumfest family immediately joining in a sing-along. This trend continued as he went into his repertoire of hits Step Aside Now, What One Dance Can Do, Falling In Love All Over Again, Double Trouble and Putting Up Resistance.

Hammond must also take credit for his acting skills, as it was a well known fact that the Sumfest organisers would be honouring him. Yet he managed to pull off a credible shocked expression, literally doing a double take when he noticed the team on the stage with his award.

"Beres we love you!" chorused the crowd as they enjoyed the presentation to the man whose music has been touching lives for so long.

Hammond was presented with Reggae Icon Award which he gratefully accepted adding, "I hardly get awards and one like this makes me feel good," to which the crowd chorused: "you deserve it!"

Presentation aside it was back to the business of music, Hammond again had the crowd grooving to No Disturb Sign and Love Means Never To Say You're Sorry before calling Lady Saw on stage who was modestly attired, looking more like she was heading for church. The two performed a song Lady Saw wrote, one she says was inspired by a little girl who 'turned into a great lady". The song, She Was Changed was beautifully performed by the two, emotions riding high as they brought the words to life, painting an image of innocence lost through rape and abuse.

International Night I was not only about Coco Tea and Beres Hammond -- as good as they were -- it also saw an outstanding performances coming from a dapperly dressed Tanya Stephens, as she went through her paces with hits like It's A Pity, Handle the Ride, Yuh Nuh Ready Fi Dis Yet and Love Mi Long Ding Dong.

Stephens had advise aplenty for the women who were too complacent in the relationships with their men, warning that there were a of women out there to pick up the slack. The men were not left out she had words for them too.

It was a walk down memory lane with Half Pint as he delivered hits such as Level The Vibes, Greeting and Cost A Living.

Christopher Martin has certainly come into his own as he worked a professional set, managing to receive some loud screams of appreciation as he took off his shirt and showed some skin.

The earlier segment of the show saw entertaining sets from Hard Drive, Jah Gahyah, Canadian-based Belinda Brady, Paul Elliot, Prophecy and Richie Loop.

By the time closing act Bunny Wailer took centre stage at near 5:00 am it was an almost empty venue as many had started making their way out.

However, this did not stop him from performing as if he was thrilling a packed mega-sized stadium.

The curtains came down on the 19th staging of Reggae Sumfest last night.