Dancehall artiste Andrae ‘Popcaan’ Sutherland has been ordered to either pay a J$40,000 fine (approximately $255 USD) or serve 30 days in jail for violating Jamaica’s Noise Abatement Act during his Unruly Fest event in St. Thomas last December.
The ruling, issued in St. Thomas Parish Court on Friday (February 9), marks the conclusion of legal proceedings related to the concert for the Silence deejay.
In a separate hearing last month, Popcaan pleaded guilty to charges of using indecent language, disorderly conduct, and making threats to police officers during the event. For these offenses, he was fined J$6,000 (approximately $40 USD).
The initial incident arose from a verbal altercation between Popcaan and law enforcement officials who intervened to shut down the event, which had exceeded its permitted duration, shortly before 5:00 AM.
Govana, Taurus Riley, Jashii, Skillibeng, Sean Paul, Protoje, Jesse Royal, Chi Ching Ching, Najeeri, and American rapper Quavo, were among the other acts before Popcaan hit the stage to close the show. Police said the show was originally scheduled to end at 4:00 am, and the show benefitted from a bonus hour.
The artiste’s confrontation with authorities led to additional charges.
Popcaan taking responsibility
While Popcaan has not publicly commented on the verdicts, his attorney Matthew Hyatt previously emphasized his client’s accountability for his actions.
“We explained to the Court that we are taking responsibility for actions, and that Mr. Sutherland is a valued member of St. Thomas. He has organized Unruly Fest for several years—this being the third staging—bringing together over 6,000 attendees per event,” Hyatt stated.
“It’s regrettable that the event concluded in such a manner. However, tensions rose and emotions ran high, and initially, he expressed ‘manners and respect’ to the police officers,” he added.
Popcaan, a native of St. Thomas, previously indicated that he may move the event to the National Stadium in the near future. He said that St Thomas will never be better if the parish continues to endure what he believes is unjust treatment from authorities.
Read: Popcaan fined JMD $6000 related to Unruly Fest charges
