The Guyana National Stadium was on Thursday night transformed into a big church, as thousands of people poured into the ground to be part of the much-anticipated Carifesta Gospel Celebration.
Headlined by four of the region’s leading gospel artistes in Nicole Ballosingh from Trinidad and Tobago, St Lucian Emrand Henry, Mr Lynx the from Bahamas and Jamaican Prodigal Son, the show proved to be an enjoyable experience for those in attendance. Throughout the concert, members of the massive crowd sang, jumped, screamed, danced and waved flags and rags as they made no bones about having fun.
Nicole Ballosingh was the first of the overseas artistes to perform. Always a crowd favourite whenever she performs in Guyana, she sent the crowd into frenzy. After her time on stage, the singer said that she always enjoyed performing in Guyana and that this occasion was no different. She was particularly impressed with the crowd, which she estimated to be over 20,000.
Although Emrand Henry’s music is not well known locally, he is a fast rising gospel singer and showed the audience just why. He showcased his wide repertoire as he delivered reggae, soca and dancehall rhythms, which stirred the crowd even more.
Bahamian Mr Lynx was the last of the overseas performers to appear on stage, and he entertained the way only he could. The dreadlocked superstar sang several songs even treating the audience to some of his new releases. Although enjoyable, his performance was perhaps a bit too long for the tiring crowd.
However, as expected Prodigal Son was the standout artiste of the night. The talented singer entertained the crowd in true Jamaican style as he belted out one hit song after the other. His invitation to the members of the audience to draw closer to the stage saw a mad rush as some sought to get as close as possible to the singer. His delivery of his song “Ketch a Fire” was the highlight of performance and proved to be a truly crowd pleasing moment.
The rest of the programme included several performances by local singers, dancers, dramatists, and steel pan players. Interesting features of the concert, included a performance by a local Bhajan group, which sang gospel songs in Hindi as well as a hundred-voice choir, which was specially formed for the concert.
The audience was also addressed by Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr Frank Anthony who stated that the event “was the largest ever gospel concert held in Guyana” and said that these religious themed events will no doubt continue at future Carifesta celebrations.
President Bharrat Jagdeo also spoke and he was well received. During his speech, he quoted from the Bible and the crowd broke into a loud roar as if in a state of euphoria.
But the show was not without its negatives. Several of the leading local artistes, such as Kester D (who was expected to launch his fifth album at the event), Solid Youth, Treneicia Esseboom, Ruth Osman and others were not able to perform, as the show was stopped shortly before one o’clock by police instruction.
Nevertheless the show will have to be regarded as one of the highlights of this year’s Carifesta events. (alastair23@yahoo.com)