GREAT acts and a worthy cause have become a hallmark of the biennial Shaggy and Friends fundraiser for the Bustamante Hospital for Children.
And Saturday’s showcase lived up to that tradition. Although it was not as impressive a line-up as previous years, what played out on stage justified the event’s growing status.
The lawns of Jamaica House became event central as act after act delivered, catering to every market among the thousands who were in attendance and who watched via live Internet stream. Surprise artist Sean Kingston was most impressive.
The Florida-born singer, who is of Jamaican parentage, had the venue buzzing to tracks such as 911 and his break-out hit Beautiful Girl.
Chart-buster OMI performed before a major local audience for the first time and gave a creditable showing. He still has a way to go in engaging his audience but earned some attention with his hit Cheerleader and his follow-up track Hula Hoop. En Vogue (Terry, Cindy and newcomer Roma) shook and shimmied their way through their set.Slick choreography and smooth harmonies were on offer as they went through a raft of hit songs: Never Gonna Get It, Giving Him Something He Can Feel, Don’t Let Go, Free Your Mind and Hold On.
Singer Ashanti, who is no stranger to Jamaica, appeased her fans with her hit songs, while sibling duo R City, who are from St Thomas in the US Virgin Islands, represented the Caribbean.
Openers Tanto Metro and Devonte were pleasing. Nadine Sutherland executed an entertaining set with deejay Terror Fabulous, her long-time sparring partner.
Ding Dong and his Ravers Claver crew took Jamaica House through a dance class with their songs and snappy movements.
Bugle’s set was as slick as his crisp dark suit. Tracks such as Compatible, Rasta Party and Annointed were well received. Kevin Downswell brought gospel into the house.
He led members of the audience in praise and worship, closing with the anthem Stronger. It was left to deejays Popcaan and Beenie Man to close out the evening, which they did in fine style.
The man of the moment, Shaggy was not to be left out. His performances were sprinkled at intervals throughout the evening. The organizers must be credited for impeccable sound quality.
—By Richard Johnson
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