.GIF)
Marcia Griffiths and Mutabaruka HAD A most beautiful time at the recent Reggaesoca Awards in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
First of all, our highest commendations to Winsome Charlton (Lady C) for pulling this one off in such fine style.
The Reggaesoca Awards is a top-class entertainment event. Many of those who are staging award ceremonies should make a pilgrimage to South Florida for them to see how events of this nature should be organised.
Lady C is a no-nonsense character; she says what she means. Her show has to start on time and all performers, presenters are provided with an itinerary showing them the times for meals, press conferences and rehearsals, among other activities. And she states which items are mandatory.
The awards ceremony was a smooth exercise, masterfully co-ordinated by Charles Hyatt and Fae Ellington. These two Jamaican giants of the theatre and broadcasting had the capacity-sized crowd at the auditorium in stitches with their antics.
The stage and backdrop were outstanding. The entire venue was nicely decorated with what is certainly not a multi-million dollar budget. It goes to show that with some imagination people can put on a high quality event without breaking the bank.
Leroy Sibbles received a Lifetime Achievement Award and justified his recognition with a string of rock steady hits, including the classic Party Time. The magnificent duo, Sly and Robbie, the other recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Awards, gave a first rate, unscheduled performance backing Mikal Roze, the former lead singer of the famed Black Uhuru. It was so refreshing to see Sly on drums, Robbie on bass and lead guitar. Mikal, though brief, was powerful in his performance.
Mikey Spice was remarkable and teamed up with Louie Culture, 'The Old Gangalee', to give the audience the popular Grab Yu Lass and Come.
The first lady of Jamaican song, Marcia Griffiths, accompanied by Daville, gave a powerful display of their hit All My Life.
Performances from Leon Caldero, Allison Hinds, Trini, Delly, Fiona, dub poet Malachi helped to make the hour-long presentation seem like a breeze.
Of course, dub poet extraordinaire Mutabaruka, who did not perform, provided some comic moments with his incisive utterances on Jamaican artistes and their tendency for thanking God when they are given awards, even when sometimes their utterances in their music run counter to the principles of the Creator.
