The anticipated return of Popcaan’s Unruly Fest in St. Thomas on December 22, 2023, was marred by an abrupt end due to police intervention. The festival, known for its sold-out events and notable guests, has become a staple in Jamaica and supports the Popcaan foundation, which contributes to annual Christmas and back-to-school treats. Despite previous threats to move the festival from St. Thomas, the decision to bring it back generated excitement on social media, with several top acts performing, including Sean Paul, Quavo, Tarrus Riley, Skillibeng, Najeerii, Protoje, Jesse Royal, I-Wayne, Jahshi, Chronic Law, and more. The festival has a history of memorable performances, including a unique aerial entrance in 2019, which Popcaan credited to his mentor Vybz Kartel.

However, the festivities came to an unexpected end when police officers invaded the stage and demanded the event be brought to a close. The officers signaled to dancehall star Jahshii to end his performance set around 4:55 am, giving the organizers until 5:00 am to wrap up. Popcaan expressed dissatisfaction with the police’s actions, blaming them for holding back progress in St. Thomas. “That’s why St. Thomas cyah better cause unuh fight everything weh mi do, move up.”

The police explained that the permit for the event only extended until 4:00 am, but they allowed it to continue until 5:00 am. “We give you until 5 o’clock, it’s time to go,” shouted a member of the Jamaica constabulary force. Despite the order to stop the show, some artists, including Popcaan, Tarrus Riley, and Chronic Law, continued performing, although the audience could not hear anything. The patrons were reportedly unhappy with the police’s decision to cut the event short. Stay tune for more…