The conclusion of the BZR Weekend was nothing short of iconic. Jamaica had been complaining that the “Summer’s Too Hot,” so they brought in Breezy. Once again, the national stadium played host to a historic event, the BZR Weekend Chris Brown and Friends Concert, where Chris showcased his interesting circle of friends.
Before introducing the acts on stage, some of Jamaica’s finest DJs and MCs got the momentum going. Throughout the event, performers like Chromatic, Boom Boom, Ricky Platinum, and Rush entertained the crowd. Then, the main performances commenced. Dyani serenaded the audience, followed by Najeeriii and Moyann, setting the stage for what was to come.
There’s a place for everyone, but Gramps Morgan might be more versatile than most. He soulfully stepped out to serenade the audience, setting the tone for the upcoming energetic performances. Dressed impeccably in red, he graced the stage and acknowledged his unique musical style. He fearlessly engaged the audience, regardless of the other acts they were anticipating.
Following his usual energetic style, Ding Dong took the stage, igniting the stadium with his signature dances and his white-clad team. Many patrons considered him one of the standout local acts. Ding Dong’s exceptional showmanship, choreography, transitions, and organization earned praise. If his intention was to showcase how Jamaican dancers do it, he certainly made the island proud.
Throughout the night, surprise artists were introduced, and based on reactions, the stadium loved the surprises. Cameos were made by artists such as Armanii, Rajah Wild, Bayka, Safaree, Kraff, and The Spartan himself, Tommy Lee Sparta, during different sets.
With a barrage of hot songs, Byron Messia took the stage with “90z,” carried the crowd through his set, and gave them both versions of his hit “Talibans.”
After Byron’s set, the helicopter started with Donia, the fresh drop boss, keeping the crowd active. Mainly catering to the ladies, he had them at the top of their lungs, singing word-for-word his hits while miraculously maintaining their composure. Making a claim to his Jamaican women, saying he wouldn’t allow Chris Brown to take them, he serenaded them with melodies and flow. Aidonia definitely showed why he has been at the forefront of dancehall since his breakout and why he is on a legendary show like this. If his excellent set wasn’t enough, he used the immense platform to announce that his wife was expecting. It is a very tough act to follow, indeed.
Teejay and Sean Kingston followed shortly; both hit factories with major songs like “Drift” and “Beautiful,” respectively. They brought the ball into the eighteen-yard box for Breezy to provide a sublime finish.
He finished sublimely, but it was bittersweet, knowing the night would end. After a few early screams and false alarms, Chris Brown came on stage to a stadium of lights pointed at him as he descended from a holster in true Chris Brown style. With a barrage of hits and the moves to go with them all, he made the office his own. As he flipped through a themed timeline of his classic hits, the nostalgia was strong in the audience as they relived the moment each hit impacted their lives. Starting in the early 2000s, he flipped through the pages of time. With mind-blowing light shows and smooth choreography that the music videos did no justice to, Breezy went crazy and then temporarily took a break to introduce another surprise act.
Brief but impactful was Valiant; he sang to the crowd’s delight as they swayed through his act, except for his hit “Mad Out,” where tables were seen unnaturally in the air, yet somehow they belonged there given the moment.
Following a valiant interlude, Breezy was back with a wardrobe change and an arsenal of hits to remind the fans how he rolls. He even gave the fans the pick of which songs he performed. Chivalry isn’t dead; Chris Brown is the epitome of it.
The BZR Weekend was mind-blowing. If you questioned the name, then now you understand. It was entertainment at its peak, and as for international acts? Jamaicans say to keep them coming.
