Mello-Go-Roun’ 2010, one of the premier events organised by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), was in full swing at the National Arena in Kingston on Wednesday. Telecoms giant, Claro Jamaica, a major sponsor of the event, continued their support in promoting Jamaican culture as some of the best offerings from this year’s series of Independence activities in song, dance and spoken word were performed under the theme: “show me yuh motion”.

Boasting a selection that would make cultural icon, Miss Lou, very proud, Mello-Go-Roun’ featured a wide range of cultural treats. Several schools from all over the country were well represented as the programme showcased students reciting poems, performing cultural dances and playing instruments.

The Arena housed a full crowd as the public showed up early in anticipation of the event. It was also exciting to see that the age ranged from toddlers to grandparents. Latoy Williams, Claro’s Marketing Officer said, “Mello-Go-Roun’ is normally a family event, but it is also a great opportunity for those who missed the prior Festival events to experience what was offered, while gaining an appreciation for our culture”.

The dances, ranging from traditional to contemporary, distinctly showed each of the performers in creative motion. The Tivoli High Dance Troupe performed a vivid and colourful piece entitled Acclaimed, while the Danny Williams School for the Deaf presented Viral Destruction which kept the audience in rapt attention.

Jamielle Gill, the nine year-old winner of the 2010 Children’s Gospel Song Competition, confidently sang “Stand Still” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water” which left the audience speechless. Gill, who comes from a family of singers, as both of her parents and some of her siblings sing, said, “My voice is just a gift from God. I usually sing at my church, Mount Saint Joseph, and I plan to continue singing at church and at other Gospel shows”.

Other highlights of the night included the arrangement of the Maypole by Buff Bay’s Liberty Learning Centre; a memorable performance of the Dinki Mini by the Manchioneal Cultural Group and Anonymous, the 2010 Champions of the World Reggae Dance Championship, energetically performed Dis Is It.

Other winners of some of this year’s major competitions were also among the audience. These included Johnnelle Smith, Festival Queen; Ann Marie Laing, Gospel Festival Song winner and Delisser ‘Kharuso’ Mcfarlane, the Festival Song winner. Laing performed her piece I Can Trust God just before intermission and Kharuso closed out the night’s activities with the winning Festival Song, My Jamaica.