Fresh off his sold-out performance at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center and the release of his third album, ‘ NPT’, ‘Vendetta Boss’ Alkaline is ready for his headline set at the long-standing official after-Champs party, Up To The Line, this weekend.
Speaking with THE STAR, the Impact artiste promised what fans can expect from his long-awaited performance.
“It’s always a good feeling touching any stage,” Alkaline said. “Up To The Line is a long-standing event that brings out true and hardcore dancehall fans, so I’m prepared to give them excitement, energy, and just shell the place. One thing them can expect from Alkaline is that me a bring the music.”
Though he wasn’t able to attend the live concert as a teenager, the Ardenne High School alum, whose given name is Earlan Bartley, told THE STAR that his fans know he will be on top of his game and can expect just about anything when he takes the microphone.
Known for its musical juggling by top disc jockeys, followed by live performances from the hottest local acts, Up To The Line is a major entertainment draw for teenagers and young adults. Fans are often hyped from watching performances on the track earlier in the day, making the after-party a high-energy culmination of Champs week. This year, the party will also feature dancehall acts Skippa, Sita Lyrical, and 1Ski OG. Alkaline said he intends to deliver a high-energy set and is keeping his cards close to his chest as to whether any other artiste may join him on stage to surpise fans.
“Fans know I’m always going to give it my all because I’m always working [and] always striving. For me, the focus is always on the music, the brand, and just putting in the work so that fans are happy and satisfied,” he said.
NPT, a 16-track set, quickly reached No. 1 on the US iTunes Reggae Albums chart, following its Monday release. The last major performance the artiste did in Jamaica was last July at his New Rules concert held at the Trelawny Multipurpose Stadium.
– Nicola Cunningham
