Concert with a conscience

It has become a staple on the entertainment calendar. Each year, come August, The Fire Man, King Shango, Capleton, The Prophet — all the same artiste — gives back to the parish of his birth with the staging of A St Mary mi come from.

Last Thursday night the Gray's Inn Sport Complex in Annotto Bay was abuzz with activity as a slew of Reggae/Dancehall acts were slated to take to the stage. This years beneficiaries were the Annotto Bay Hospital, Port Maria Primary school, the St Mary Infirmary, Beecham Hill Infant and Primary Schools, Islington High School and the St Mary Police Youth Club.

One of the features of this show is the long roster of acts who all jostle for time and space on stage, having shown up to 'pay respects' to Capleton and his efforts. This year was no different, and that was clear from the moment the Observer team arrived just after midnight, and the lesser-known acts were still on stage. But with all the artistes, and the limited time on stage, there were still standouts in the form of Sizzla, Beenie Man, the host Capleton (of course) and veterans Coco Tea and Josey Wales.

Having not appeared on a local stage in a few months, Sizzla Kalonji was ready for the St Mary audience when he took to the stage at just after 5:00 am. He was able to ignite a tired audience and had everyone on their feet as he dropped hit after hit in a short but energetic set. Beenie Man, who also performed during this segment, was also a dose of energy in the early crisp St Mary morning air. Despite the sameness to his set over the years, he has that knack of getting his audience to respond time and time again. Add to that Beenie's new hit tracks, I'm Okay and Rum and Red Bull. These were just what Gray's Inn needed in the early hours of Independence Day.

Capleton, interspersed with a number of other acts, was also able to breathe life into the long night of performances. Known for his tremendous on stage energy, he was able to transmit that vibe to his audience.

However, earlier in the night it was the veterans Coco Tea and Josey Wales who were able to bring about some spark. After being called on by crooner Richie Stephens, Coco Tea tried to encourage a 'tune fi tune' clash with Stephens who graciously declined, but not before attempting to throw a few lyrical punches. These were quickly evaded by Coco Tea who was both witty and smooth with his responses. It was the other veteran, Josey Wales who was called in as a referee but did not miss the opportunity to drop a few tunes of his own, much to the delight of those gathered at Gray's Inn.

Note must also be made of the performance by Rising Stars winner Romain Virgo, who is becoming quite the showman and a hit with his female fans. The Big Ship aggregation was well represented by Laden and Chino. While other acts such as I-Wayne, Khago, Harry Toddler, Munga and Lady G all represented themselves well.

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