Praises flow at Labour Day concert
IT was all about worship and praise as the National Labour Day Concert took over Mandela Park in the heart of Half-Way-Tree in St Andrew on Monday night.
The annual concert, used to close the Labour Day celebrations, returned after a two-year absence due to the current novel coronavirus pandemic and the sizeable audience which gathered in the park was treated to performances by a slate of gospel music acts.
While Culture and Entertainment Minister Olivia “Babsy” Grange was the host of the event, she became the centre of attention as, per the direction of MC Nadine Blair of Love 101 FM, gospel act Kevin Downswell invited the minister on stage and led an intercessory prayer on her behalf. This ignited the already charged audience, who, with outstretched arms, joined in prayer for Grange.
Prior to this, Downswell had the audience spellbound as he delivered another of his signature performances, interspersing his popular hits including If It’s Not You and Father Carry Me.
Ahead of Downswell, it was popular artiste Kukudoo who led the audience in musical worship and praise. His revival-themed style of music went over well with the audience and kept them on their feet.
Sister Patt was also a hit with the audience inside Mandela Park, which was this year’s national Labour Day project. Her renditions Hand of God, Massa God a God, and The Lord Is My Shepherd seemed to be just what the audience required based on their reaction.
Lubert Levy was another of the well-received acts on the show. His medley, which included Roll Jordan Roll, was so infectious that it had audience members singing and dancing. Minister Grange too could not resist the beat and rose from her seat at this time to dance and give praise.
Throughout Monday’s event patrons were being constantly reminded to keep their masks on given the heightened awareness of an increase in the number of cases associated with COVID over recent days.
This point was stressed by Minister Grange in a statement issued to the media ahead of the concert.
“COVID affected Labour Day activities over the last two years, including the concert at the end of a hard day’s work. We will host the free Labour Day Praise and Worship concert this year, while observing COVID protocols. We’re asking members of the public who will join us at the concert to wear masks and be prepared to have their hands sanitised to gain access to the concert at Mandela Park,” it read.
Some of the early acts on the show were Rian Davis, Johnmark, Flavia Beswick, Oshane Mais, Levy’s Heritage, Jody K, and Minister Howdy.