Pamputtae Has No Regrets After Serving Up Dancehall At Pride Toronto 2023

The Pride Toronto LGBTQ festival has welcomed Dancehall music for the second year in a row, and Jamaican artist Pamputtae has no regrets about that.

“Mi glad seh mi deh yah. All a who neva wah mi deh yah, mi deh yah! All a who neva wah mi deh yah, mi deh yah…A wah di bloodcl–t do dem?” she declared at the end of her set on Saturday, June 24. 

When asked about her decision to participate in the festival, Pamputtae, born Eveana Henry, expressed no hesitation, highlighting her role as an entertainer and her commitment to creating music for everyone.

“Honestly, it was never a difficult decision, because I’m an entertainer and don’t limit my music. I sing for everyone. God loves everyone and doesn’t pick and choose,” she told CBC.

As one of the headliners for the 2023 staging, Pamputtae performed for under an hour for those who had turned out to let loose at the celebration. Throughout her set, which saw her shedding her boots for added comfort, she roused the audience with songs like Goody Good, Ride It, It Good, Slim Vs Fluffy, Sticky Whine, and God and Time.

“Pride it’s your 25th anniversary, make some noise!” she said at one point.

One of the highlights of the set was a brief moment of reflection on the Fine Nine Remix that was spearheaded by Queen of Rap Nicki Minaj, as well as a charge to her fans to believe in their capabilities, no matter how impossible they might seem.

“Nuh matta weh unuh do inna life, Jus’ believe inna unuh self ‘cause nuff people neva believe seh Nicki Minaj woulda link Pamputtae fi do di music an’ mi have one ah di baddest verse,” she confidently said.

Before Pamputtae came on at this year’s staging, the host poked fun at homophobes by leading the crowd in singing T.O.K’s Chi Chi Man song. 

The group’s Roshaun ‘Bay C’ Clarke had told Loop Barbados earlier this year that the “offensive” song would be removed from performances. However, another member, Craigy T, stated that he stood by the words of the 2001 song.

Some social media users left comments to commend the Jamaican artist on a strong delivery.

“Me na lie Pam you work the stage even tho the sound did a give trouble but you deliver great performance,” @neicey_reid said on Instagram. 

“She shut the stage down in Canada 🇨🇦 with her wicked riddims,” @shaq.penthouse added.

Spice had headlined the Pride Toronto 2022 festival, while Shenseea performed at Pride Island in New York in 2022.