Fabian Ledgister, Staff Reporter
Mario performs on a previous appearance in Jamaica at Cinema Two, New Kingston. - WINSTON SILL/FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
EDUCATION WAS the focal point at bmobile's 'Back 2 School' concert, held at Jamaica College, Hope Road, on Wednesday afternoon. With performances from international superstars Mario and Fat Joe, along with Wayne Marshall, Twin of Twins, Voice Mail, Leftside & Esco, Tami Chynn, Shane O, Alaine and Kip Rich, it was absolutely free.
The gates opened at 10:00 a.m., with rock climbing, bull riding and various other games for the enjoyment of the youngsters coming before the performances.
Despite intermittent rain and a mediocre turnout, the concert got under way at 1:30 p.m. with a performance from novelty act Comb King, Franz Capone, Unusual, and brother to dancehall star Spragga Benz, Mr. Peppa.
"Rocking" was all international superstar Mario had to utter for girls in the predominantly female audience to rush to the barriers at front of stage, going into a frenzy at the first glimpse of the superstar. Coming on-stage with a full crew of back-up dancers - and two very formidable looking bodyguards - Mario delivered a solid 30 minute performance, including Let Me Love You and his new hit single, How Could You, with which he serenaded a member of the audience. This special attention was ill received by some, who booed the girl who was on stage with Mario.
When Mario jumped off the stage during his performance there was a crush of teenagers on the front stage barriers, which gave way. With swift action by concert security and his personal bodyguards, he came out unscathed and resumed his compelling performance.
FRESH TALENT
Other early acts included Nicky B and Alaine who gave a great performance with Anything For You and Chaka Chaka Love. The young audience was also introduced to a fresh talent from the Solid Agency camp, named Marlon Binns. Though a relatively unknown act, Binns held his own among the greats of the night getting a strong crowd response for Go Down With This Ship.
The crowd was soon whipped into a second bout of frenzy, as Terror Squad's Fat Joe came on-stage. Clad in his signature pink, the international rap star drove the teens wild with Lean Back, So Much More and his duet with Ashanti, What's Luv.
"I'm honoured to perform for a Kingston audience ... Just like my hometown the Bronx is the birth of hip hop, Kingston is the birth of reggae," stated an excited Fat Joe.
Like all the other performers, Joe reinforced the importance of education, while his Terror Squad camp gave out free caps and footballs.
After a short but energetic set of selections from Code Red, the Twin of Twins duo took over hosting duties from television personality Milk. With their comedic vocal impersonations and witty commentary, they kept the energy up throughout the dancehall leg of the concert.
The dancing frenzy officially began when Voice Mail hit the stage, giving their usual dance instruction/musical performance, much to the delight of the young and exuberant crowd. Not to be outdone, Wayne Marshall came centrestage and, over the loud screams of the fanatic teens, deliverd Overcome and Running Red.
"This one wicked. Mi de ya a represent for a good cause and if the cause is good, I'll always represent," Marshall told The Gleaner.
Other memorable performances came from Shane-O, Kiprich, Leftside and Esco and Tami Chynn, who had the young audience singing along to Hyperventilating, I Wanna Rock You and her latest Looky Looky.
The youngsters got an additional treat, as Wayne announced that he had invited some friends, who turned out to be Red Rat, Goofy and Beenie Man. The combined energy of Beenie Man, Marshall, Red Rat and Goofy was a fitting close to the concert.
All acts that night used their performances to instil positive guidance and advice to the young audience. Representatives of the Ministry of Health's HIV/STI Control Programme were also present, educating the young patrons on abstinence and safe sex practices.
In addition to free entertainment and complimentary Wata and Bigga drinks from the Wisynco Group, bmobile also issued two $10,000 scholarships to two lucky teens, including uniform vouchers, book vouchers, back to school packs and lanyards.
"We see it as investing in the future of Jamaica," said a bmobile spokesperson. "Bringing in such big names from the U.S. and Jamaica will help get home the message about education. Who better to talk to our children than the entertainers they idolise on TV and radio every day?"
