Spirited performances at Coronation show

Saturday, November 21, 2009 6:44 AM

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Entertainment

By Basil Walters Observer staff reporter

Friday, November 06, 2009

Overall, it was not the best of shows - that's the concert in celebration of the 79th anniversary of the coronation of Haile Selassie I, and his wife Empress Menen, on Monday at the Bob Marley Museum. Even though it was not by any means a dull affair or lacking in attendance, it came up short of the colour and vibrancy one would expect for such an occasion.

Fya Kin and Queen Ifrika take time out to pose for the media.

Notwithstanding, there were moments of great thrills at the fairly well attended show, the proceeds from which will be donated to the Haile Selassie High School and the Ethiopian Orthodox Cathedral Building fund. And the UNIA's 454 Division and Rootz Foundation that promoted the event can be proud. In collaboration with the promoters were the Bob Marley Museum, Grizzly's Entertainment, Slingshot Production, Alternative Music, Nature's Eyes, Rassis International, Simiya House, House of Leeds and Calabash Heights.

Everyone, inclusive of emcee Denise 'Isis' Miller and the performers backed by the Lion's Den Band, all played their parts to make it a worthwhile effort. Among the highlights were Errol Bonnick's workman-like performance of two of Peter Tosh's creations Rastafari Is and Jah Guide. In his short stint the former lead vocalist of the Live Wyya Band demonstrated that he has what it takes to be a force to be reckoned with in the not too distant future.

Nelly Stharre was a pleasure to watch performing Peace and Love, while Keteis Oyonde did quite well vocally to reach the audience with Rastaman Chant. Fya Kin, didn't blaze as anticipated, but was at times enjoyable on his short set.

The first of the kingpins, was the veteran Fred Locks who lifted the vibes a notch or two while enlivening the audience with one of his finest hits, True Rastaman/So Jah Say. Lymie Murray was most comfortable with the Wailers' smash, Soul Rebel and the exuberant gathering just couldn't get enough of Queen Ifrika who didn't have to do more than merely whetting the appetite of her fans with a few of her recent releases, especially Mi Nah Rub and Lioness On the Rise.

Despite coming after Queen Ifrika, Tony Rebel, apart Capleton, whipped up the most excitement with Man Fi Know Jah, Fresh Vegetable along with a medley of others for which he is well known.

Cyaan cool, the Fyah Man Capleton as he always does, delivered with intensity a captivating performance. As an indication of his unquenchable status, whether by a cappella or with backing support, King Shango's fury was so consuming, he kept the three quarter-filled venue rocking to the end.

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