Fabian Ledgister, Staff Reporter
Noretta Lewis Gospel Festival Song Winner performs a 'Revival Medley' at the show.
IT WAS a grand spectacle of unity at the Homecoming 2005, Grand Peace Rally on Saturday in the streets of Knutsford Boulevard, as all acts slated for the event not only came, but contributed solid performances, in an effort to bolster the message of peace to the nation.
Under the patronage of many of Jamaica's prominent personalities, including Minister of Local Government, Community Development and Sports, Portia Simpson Miller, the free stage-show saw a repertoire of artistes perform without pay, in the name of peace and unity. Performing artistes included, Freddie McGregor, Gyptian, Carlene Davis, Abijah, Judy Mowatt, Rising Star 2005 Christopher Martin, and runner-up Noddy Virtue, among others.
The voices of Joey Clarke and Ruth Ho-Shin speaking the National Anthem signalled the show's prompt commencement at 6:15 p.m., followed by a welcome and introductory note from Earl Richards.
Backing band Gumption, set the mood for a night of spectacular performances with a few song melodies, as patrons slowly began to fill the streets of Knutsford Boulevard.
Noddy Virtue came onstage to a welcoming audience at 6:40 p.m., performing Jimmy Cliff's hits Many Rivers To Cross, and his signature rendition, Rebel In Me. After a performance by Judy Emanuel and Andrew Cassanova, General Manager of Jamaica National Building Society, Earl Jarrett gave an address on the need to curb the negative trend of violence in Jamaica.
"We have toured the globe with Opposition Leader Bruce Golding, in his campaign for business opportunities and investors in every single meeting the topic of the country's crime and violence acts as a major deterrent for those who wish to invest in Jamaica," Mr. Jarrett told The Gleaner.
Jamaica National Building Society was the main sponsor for the free concert, which also hosted Director of the Medical Association of Jamaica, Dr. Lucien Jones who delivered the National Pledge.
Gyptian was one of the crowd favourites that night, performing his popular hit Serious Times, and new single Thank You Mama.
POWERFUL PERFORMANCE
This was followed by a powerful performance from popular gospel artiste, Carlene Davis, performing songs that were so relevant to the concert's message, that one would think that she tailored them for the event. These included This Island Needs Jesus, Let The Church Unite, and Nothing But The Blood Of Jesus.
"The Lord gave us songs of peace and love for the nation, and it is up to us to make a difference, now is the opportune time and we need to act," stated Davis.
Arguably, the most moving words of the night, came, not from one of the popular artistes, but from the distinguished Reverend Pat Francis. The reverend came on at approximately 8:20 p.m., giving a commanding sermon of hope for the nation, while also condemning the trend of violence in Jamaica, especially the targeting of the women and children in recent times.
"Let us humble ourselves and pray for God to bless this land. If you don't cry to God tonight, you are going to cry tomorrow when another person dies," preached Rev. Francis.
After an energetic performance from Abijah, including a strong crowd response for his hit single, Revelation, gospel act Judy Mowatt graced the stage with a solid 15 minute performance, including Unconditional Love, Heal Our Land, and Many Are Called.
ENTHUSIASTIC FREDDIE MCGREGOR
Though all acts that night gave their all in the name of peace and unity, it paled in the enthusiasm of Freddie McGregor, going well over his slated 30 minute time-slot.
"This was a lovely night, and I am just doing my part in getting the right message out there ... I wish more of the youths dem were here though, because is dem need guidance more than anybody," stated McGregor.
The night ended literally on a high note, as the collective vocal supremacy of most of the artistes who performed that night, combined onstage to close the concert with the singing of the National Anthem.
"It was an excellent concert with a relevant theme. It is now that we need to stand together against the few evil individuals, and not allow them to destroy the very brand Jamaica! The only way to take back Jamaica, is to take back every community, and every parish, one by one - we need to empower the people to help themselves," stated Minister Portia Simpson Miller.
