Get to know the name John Yarde, because there’s no doubt he’ll soon be topping charts and headlining shows locally, regionally and even internationally.
And if there was ever any doubt about it, his top class performance last Sunday night at Mahalia’s Corner Christmas Edition, was proof of his superstar ability.
Those who had never heard him before were in total awe as he belted out hit after hit, note after note.
His performance of his new original song Caribbean Christmas was near perfect.
He had the audience eating out the palm of his hand and many were singing along with him for the catchy hook line “Oh oh oh oh oh oh, We want to wish you a merry Christmas.”
If you weren’t in the Christmas mood before, his rendition of We Three Kings featuring Alix Cage and Raphael Saul would have definitely put you in the mood. It was simply breathtaking watching this acapella performance for which they received a standing ovation.
Yarde showed off his versatility during his rendition of Drummer Boy. He joined 2 Mile Hill’s drummer Chadd Ifill on the cajon (percussion) nearing the end of the song and engaged in a delightful “back and forth”, showcasing his skills on the drum.
Yarde also performed Here Right Now off his latest album featuring Nikita. This performance was just as good as the first time around when they sang it during Nikita’s feature at Mahalia’s Corner back in October.
During his set he also performed This Christmas, Oh Come All Ye Faithful, Give Love on Christmas Day and Christmas Prayer, a Bebe Winans cover which featured 2 Mile Hill’s lead singer Mahalia. He thanked her and the band for using their platform to shed light on other artistes.
Yarde’s performance brought an end to an all-round incredible night.
From the start, with 2 Mile Hill’s set, the atmosphere was festive.
Band members were dressed in all white and the stage was well decorated, decked out with icicles and white lights that created a shimmer effect.
The band’s set included a reggae infused twist to Do You Hear What I Hear, What Child Is This?, a cover of Bumba’s Why Can’t This Christmas Feeling Go On?, Set You Free and Oh, Holy Night.
Their rendition of Silent Night, featuring Roche was definitely one of the most impressive renditions of the night.
The a capella version of the song was a joy to hear, especially when pianist and bass guitarist Andre and Chris respectively put down their instruments and took up the microphones to perform this Christmas classic.
Those in the open mic segment cannot go without a mention as they too delivered on the night.
Daianna Price surprised the audience with her powerful effortless rendition of Read All About It, and Yomi with his rendition of Mary Did You Know?
Marsha Branch represented the poets with I Can See Me. (DB)
