The Sir Garfield Sobers Sports Complex was overflowing with talent last Sunday when the I Am Live Aid benefit concert came off. It was unfortunate that few came to witness it.
The event, which was organised by TicketPal Caribbean, was held to raise funds for the islands in the region affected by Hurricanes Irma and Maria. It had been postponed from September 30.
Sunday’s show was scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. but only got under way around 6:30 p.m. with the playing of the National Anthem. Master of ceremonies Mac Fingall attributed the delay to a difficulty in getting the live stream up and running.
The event was split into three segments: We Dream Together, Inextricably Linked, and We Rise – with more than 40 artistes from the region singing across several genres.
However, all was forgiven when Michelle Henderson of Dominica graced the stage. She brought some life to the otherwise quiet venue with her powerful vocals as she sang Celebrating CARICOM. Her rendition set the tone for the rest of the night.
Moments later, Trinidad and Tobago’s David Rudder roused some people out of their seats when he performed classics such as Trini To De Bone, High Mas and Rally ’Round The West Indies.
Each artiste brought their own special flair to the mix.
In the first segment, local saxophonists Mylon Clarke and Kieshelle Rawlins did not disappoint. Neither did top gospel singer Allison Norville, who performed Forgiveness.
Jamaicans Freddie McGregor and Queen Ifrica stuck to their reggae genre, and Barbadian Biggie Irie performed Sorry in similar style.
As the show progressed, patrons moved closer to the stage to watch each artiste do their country justice.
Martinique was represented by Sael, and Guyana by Michelle Big Red King.
St Lucia’s Freezy, who has had a fantastic year with Split In De Middle, continued riding the wave of popularity with another solid performance of the song.
Antiguan Drastic, who placed second in Tortola’s calypso monarch competition, sang Oye, while Splash, the reigning monarch from Barbuda, wowed the crowd.
The Bajan contingent included Mikey, MRBLOOD, Red Plastic Bag and Alison Hinds, Marzville, Stabby, Scrilla, Peter Ram and Lil Rick, who all kept the energy level high.
St Vincent’s representatives Dynamite and Skinny Fabulous closed the show. The explosive Dynamite performed the infectious Brave, and Skinny Fabulous did several of his hits, including Watch Thing, Lights Go Down and Behaving the Worst. (TG)
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