Gramps, Peetah Morgan rock 15,000 fans in Trinidad
The Queen’s Park Savannah in soca country Trinidad was transformed in the land of reggae music for at least one night when crooner Gramps and his brother Peetah Morgan delivered a memorable performance two Saturday nights ago that music fans in the twin island republic will be talking about for a long time.
The Morgan brothers, who last performed in Trinidad three years ago as part of the Morgan Heritage ensemble came back this time as solo acts and what a soirée it was. The pair hit the stage at 11:00 pm, moments after Gyptian had roused the crowd. Gramps had an immediate impact with Come Back To Bed, which proved the perfect offering for the many beautiful ladies who howled for more. And more they got as the EME Awards winner for Album of the Year segued into his current hit For One Night and Wash The Tears that struck a responsive chord and proved the perfect offering for the 15,000 fun-loving music fans who were at his beck and call.
Peetah, who is touring as a solo act, also had his way with fans. His popularity and magnetism was clearly evident as he grooved on hit single I’m In Love with You.
As the set of the Morgan brothers would not be complete without a few vintage songs for the Morgan Heritage catalogue, the two obliged fans with Nothing To Smile About, Tell Me How Come and their mega hit She’s Still Loving Me which brought a Sumfest type vibe and energy to the stage.
“It was truly an amazing performance especially when we touched songs from the Morgan Heritage catalogue”, Gramps said moments after he made his way off stage.
“This is my first solo performance in Trinidad and it is one that I will treasure,” he said.
The following night it was on to Tobago, where Gramps and Peetah again reeled off many of their hit songs. Gramps’ performance was entertaining and inspirational and peaked with a moving rendition of Psalm 23 which was dedicated to incarcerated deejay, Buju Banton.
After his performance Gramps — who began his musical journey as a solo artist in 2009 — admitted in an interview that he has matured as a solo singer from successful tours with R&B heavy hitters John Legend, India.Arie and Buju Banton. He has already had a number of chart toppers in 2010 and he is currently in studios recording tracks for his sophomore Country and R&B disc that will be released later this year.
He heads across the Atlantic this week for a two-week promotional tour which will include stops in France, England and Germany. He then moves across to the US on May 2 for the 29th annual International Reggae & World Music Awards at York College in Queens, NY where he is nominated in five categories.
“New York is my home away from home so I am very excited to be up for five awards,” he said.