Ottawa Bluesfest brought the Caribbean heat to the capital last night as Jamaican dancehall superstar Sean Paul headlined on the RBC Stage. The Grammy Award-winning artist, best known for hits like Get Busy, Temperature, and Gimme the Light, delivered an electrifying set that had the crowd jumping despite a cool breeze and a bit of light rain at the beginning of his performance.
Born Sean Paul Ryan Francis Henriques in Kingston, Jamaica, Sean Paul rose to global fame in the early 2000s and has remained one of the most recognizable voices in dance music. Backed by two amazing dancers, DJs, and hype men who warmed up the stage before his grand entrance, Paul brought high-energy vibes from start to finish. Jamaican flags waved proudly in the audience, and festival-goers—likely the youngest crowd Bluesfest has seen this year—jumped inn place and danced non-stop as Sean Paul rolled through his chart-topping catalogue.
Canadian hip-hop icon Kardinal Offishall opened the main stage after stepping in for G-Eazy, who was originally scheduled to perform. Kardinal didn’t miss a beat, reminding fans why he’s a national treasure in the Canadian rap scene. “My one job tonight is to get you ready for Sean Paul,” he joked, and he did just that with crowd-pumping anthems and charisma to spare. The back of his T-Shirt conveyed the positivity that he brought to the stage with “Believe inna Yuh Self”.
Another standout of the night was Alicia Moffet on River Stage, who performed an earlier bilingual set that was both polished and personal. The Quebec singer-songwriter, a former La Voix contestant, once again impressed the audience as she did at Osheaga a few years ago. Her smooth vocals and striking stage presence continue to make her one to watch.
With Green Day set to perform tonight, Bluesfest fans are bracing for what could be the biggest night of the festival. But July 17th will be remembered as the night Ottawa danced to the rhythm of Jamaica.
