Nadine Sutherland Crowned: A Night to Remember at Rub a Dub Thursday

It was a beautiful evening at “Rub a Dub Thursday,” where the vibes were high, and the energy was cool like a Jamaican breeze. This special night was dedicated to honoring two of the industry’s greats: Nadine Sutherland and Alonzo Hawk. However, before the tributes began, the evening took an unexpected turn.

Major Mackerel found himself in an unexpected clash with Ruddy Irie. The exchange was brief but intense, as Major Mackerel called Ruddy out, accusing him of being a rapist. Ruddy Irie attempted to freestyle a response, but his off-beat delivery fell flat, earning him the infamous Jamaican term: “him flop like John crow wing.” The situation seemed poised to escalate, but thanks to the cool heads of Peter Metro and others on stage, any potential physical altercation was averted. Their swift action in controlling the stage deserves massive respect.

As the night progressed, the crowd was treated to a lineup of performances that kept the energy flowing. I Noah made a surprising appearance with his powerful voice, leaving many hoping to see him on a bigger stage soon. Nitty Kutchie followed with a brief yet impactful set, dropping some of the big tunes from his catalog.

Shanelle XO also took the stage, and while her singing voice was undeniably great, something seemed amiss in her presentation. Technical issues with her tracks and perhaps a mismatch with the crowd’s vibe left her performance lacking the impact it could have had. Andrew Paul, an artist new to many in the audience, impressed with a voice that perfectly complemented the legendary Dennis Brown. Young Garvey also delivered a solid performance, though his Hip-Hop style tune might not have resonated fully with the Rub a Dub crowd. Still, his effort was commendable.

Tyrical’s performance stood out as one of the night’s most emotional. His music’s positive message and his resilience in the face of adversity resonated deeply with the audience. Tyrical’s mentality—“no matter how the evil fight him, he’s gone through the gates”—earned him big respect from the crowd.

As the night drew to a close, the time came to honor Alonzo Hawk for his significant contributions to the industry. The crowd showed their appreciation for this well-deserved recognition, and the night was capped off with a performance by Nadine Sutherland. Crowned as the Princess of Reggae and Dancehall, she delivered a high-energy set that included some of the biggest hits from her catalog. The moment she started DJing like Terror Fabulous and Buju Banton, the crowd erupted with excitement.

Adding to the evening’s significance, Copeland Forbes, the big man himself, was in the building. He took the stage to announce an upcoming thank-you tour, inviting Nadine Sutherland to join as one of the entertainers. Her performance, energy, and beauty made her crowning well-deserved.

Massive respect once again to the Rub a Dub Thursday family. For those who don’t know, 52 Dumbarton Avenue, known as Rebel T Sound Headquarters in Kingston, Jamaica, is the Mecca of Reggae, and a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the heart of the culture.