Aidonia First U.S Concert A Major Success

If ever there was doubt that there’s a resurgence in Jamaican music on the international scene that doubt was quickly dispelled last weekend as Dancehall superstar Aidonia hosted his first official concert on U.S soil in over six years. 

The entertainer who was the sole headliner for the highly anticipated event dubbed ‘THE RETURN’ managed to pack the house at the Amazura Night Club in Queen, New York  last Saturday as fans came out to see one of their favourite stars in action. With concert-goers arriving in their droves the venue was sold out within hours prior to show-time with an estimated audience of over 4,000 patrons, a feat only accomplished by a selected few within the Caribbean diaspora. 

Kicking off the nights’ proceedings sound system selectors Platinum Kids and Foota Hype soon whipped the audience into a frenzy with their musical selections and at minutes after midnight paved the way for Ruff Kutt Band who was entrusted with backing band duties for the night. The venue again erupted when his raspy voice echoed through the speakers and Aidonia emerged on stage donning a black and white designer ensemble to much fanfare.  

During his almost two and a half hour set Aidonia took patrons on a musical journey from his infancy to present with an expansive catalogue of hits. Amid the fanfaronade the dancehaller took time out to pay homage to Bounty Killer stating , “Mi nuh business who them say a run the place a one general inna Dancehall and a Bounty Killer, mek mi repeat it in case some a oonu deaf.” at which point he proceeded to list Bounty’s accolades. He also used the opportunity to scold a number of emerging talents for not showing respect to the veterans citing, “Some a oonu likkle bwoy nuh have nuh respect oonu a gwaan like a oonu buss  oonuself and and nobody nuh help oonu or show oonu nutten.. oonu fi respect the elders weh set the ting before oonu.” Both statements were greeted with rousing approval from the large gathering.

Following the concert a sweat drenched Aidonia while speaking with members of the U.S. Media backstage said he was very humbled by the support he received,

“The show was a great look, the fans came out and showed the love and support and I am very humbled to say the least. It’s been a while that the fans have not seen me on this side of the world so I had to make sure I give them a memorable performance and let them know we appreciate all they have done for me and my team throughout the years.” 

Back on local soil, Aidonia is set to depart the island again this week for an assignment in Grenada on Independence Day, August 6th  before jetting off to Tortola on August 13th.  On the musical front  the deejay has released a new single courtesy of Troyton Music titled ‘Fireworks’ on the Dancehall Bully riddim  amid riding high with the singles "No Man To Mi Spliff", "Hey Yo" and "Rude Bwoy Ting".