Kesi Asher, Staff Reporter
Barbican Baptist Church Children's Choir performing at 'Cris'mas Fun Ting', presented by the Barbican Baptist Church at Lindo Hall, Campion College on Sunday. - PHOTOS BY ANDREW SMITH/PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR
STITCHIE AND the children brought Christmas into the hearts of many at 'Cris'mas Fun Ting, the sevenfold blessing'.
The concert, which was presented by the Barbican Baptist Church and held at Campion College last Sunday evening, saw Stitchie bringing lots of energy to the stage.
"We're here to worship God real Jamaican style. We're not from Alabama, we're from Jamaica so we sing reggae," said Stitchie. With his usual fast tongue and quick feet, he energised the crowd with Gospel Reggae, Messenjah, Christ Nice, Weapon, Mouth and Fast and Pray.
Along with him were his back-up singers, Sonia Fuller and Sophia Laing, his wife. While performing, Stitchie broke out in sporadic oldies steps, skanking, jumping and stepping, much to the delight of the crowd. He spoke about the days of dumpling and mackerel and chicken back, and urged the crowd to give thanks for days like those, as the Lord would not make you starve.
He closed saying, "What a blessed way to spend a day, giving thanks and praise to the Lord."
STITCHIE'S PERFORMANCE
The crowd enjoyed Stitchie's performance immensely and during some songs, hands clapped and feet stood and danced along.
The children's smiles shone brighter than the blue and white decorations, complemented by fake snowflakes and white icicle lights. MC Nadine 'Aunty Nadine' Blair from Love 101 FM took the audience through an evening of praise and inspiration.
Renay McKnight stunned the crowd with her spiritual presence. At the tender age of 13, Renay's strong voice carried the melody of Grace & Mercy and El Shaddai to the eager ears. Tivoli Gardens Junior Dance Troupe continued to fascinate the crowd with their dance to an African rhythm.
The girls, with their black, green and gold, leotards and tights were filled with energy and carried the crowd to a high place.
They also did a spiritual piece, in full white flare dresses with white headpiece, and danced to The Lord is My Shepherd, during which red and white cloth was creatively designed into a cross.
Nadje Leslie dazzled the crowd with her beautiful smile and her talented violin pieces. She played a medley of songs including Angels Sing and the Jamaican folk carol, Christmas A Come. Also blessed with a dancing talent, she complemented the pieces with dancing during some songs.
EVENING GOT EVEN BETTER
When it seemed that the evening could not possibly get any better, on came Shakeir Kidd with his Rueben Studdard-like voice. At age 12, Shakeir is a very able singer who reaches the depths and lengths of a professional singer. Shakeir rocked the crowd with Stand and I Need an Angel, which was highlighted by a dance from Tamara Henry, dressed in shiny, white garments.
Kimiela 'Candy' Isaacs aptly demonstrated that blindness is only a minor setback. With a voice that had range, pitch and depth, Kimiela thrilled the audience with soulful renditions of Celine Dion's Power of The Dream and That Name.
Backed by the Barbican Baptist Church Children's Choir, Kimiela also sang The Gift Goes On. She hit some distant notes and nicely crafted the songs to make listening to her a pleasurable experience. By itself, the choir sang One Little Candle, He is Christmas, and We Are a Family (remix).
The Baptist Children United for Christ, combined the Barbican, Edgewater and Red Hills Baptist churches children's choirs. The mass choir sang Hallelujah, Adeste Fideles, Caroling Caroling, One Small Voice, Hail Mary and Christmas Time.
The Liberty Academy Drummers also made a contribution with Rivers of Babylon among other songs.
'Cris'mas Fun Ting' brought more than seven folds of blessing in an experience that was filled with fun, praise and thanksgiving.
