Reality check at GT Taylor show
IT was more than music at the GT Taylor Christmas Extravaganza, at Luana Sports Complex in Black River, St Elizabeth, on Christmas Day.
Sanchez, toast of the occasion, paid tribute to “great dead” reggae singers, while Singer J alluded to the recent deaths of producer Cleon “Mineral Boss” Jones and singjay Unicorn.
Since the start of the year, Jamaica has recorded more than 1,500 murders. And, according to a World Bank Report published earlier this year, that ranks as the fourth most murderous country in the entire world.
Sanchez, who graced the stage after 4:00 am, saluted legendary acts by performing Dennis Brown’s Here I Come, Gregory Isaacs’s Night Nurse, Freddie McKay’s Hanging On The Wall, and Breaking Up Is Hard To Do by Alton Ellis.
His 30-minute set also explored crowd favourites like Lonely Won’t Leave Me Alone, Pretty Girl, Love You Down, For You, Never Dis The Man, Frenzy, and Praise His Name.
Singer J examined the deaths of Jones and Unicorn.
“Dem kill Mineral Boss weh is a producer an’ dem kill Unicorn weh is a artiste. Jah know, star, too much killing man,” he said, before performing Put Jah First, which was produced by Jones, who was shot and killed early this month. Unicorn suffered the same fate last month. No one has been charged for the murders.
Talk of Ninjaman’s imprisonment was inevitable as Beenie Man and Professor Nuts shared their thoughts on his December 18 life sentence for murder. The latter said he found the deejay’s sentence “unfortunate”.
“Ninja, anyweh yuh deh, respect! You’ve done a lot for the music fraternity,” said Professor Nuts.
The morning session had worthy mentions, including Half Pint who performed crowd favourites Greetings, Crazy Girl, Level The Vibes, Hold On, No Substitute Lover, and One Big Family.
Beenie Man, who has been on the show since its inception in 2000, also got patrons dancing after performing hit after hit from his extensive catalogue.
Sizzla closed the show at daybreak with a high-energy performances of Holding Firm, Just One of Those Days, Thank You Mama, and Be Strong.
Other artistes included Richie Spice, Admiral Tibet, D’Angel, Shenseea, Rankin Pumpkin, Nesbeth, Deep Jahi, Shane O and Jabez.
