Did the absence of Vybz Kartel and Mavado put a damper on the 2012 staging of Reggae Sumfest dancehall night? Well, over the 20 years of the festival dancehall night on Thursday saw its lowest turnout. Nonetheless, dancehall diva Lady Saw and Gaza entertainer Tommy Lee did not disappoint. Lady Saw came out fiery and took several jabs at just about everybody in the industry including Bounty Killa, Beenie Man and I-Octane. But it was Khago who got the biggest blow after the queen of dancehall questioned his knowledge of a threesome. "Khago, woman enjoy threesomes just like men. Come here mekk mi si dung inna yuh face". The crowd erupted. Lady Saw was subsequently crowned the queen of dancehall.

Irie FM's GT Taylor and Richie B were also honoured for their contribution to the festival. Tommy Lee lived up to expectations. The Gaza entertainer got tons of forwards during his set that was very dark. Beenie Man looked dapper in all white. He delivered a good performance but the crowd response wasn't the usual. Popcaan struggled to get his forwards. I-Octane's performance was marred from being a success due to excessive flames from torches which almost caused a catastrophe. Aidonia did a solid set, Bounty Killa worked it but really needed a new song, Konshens, Kip Rich, Spice and Khago also did well. All in all, dancehall night 2012 never lived up to the hype.