Mel Cooke, Freelance Writer
Oliver Samuels looking as 'pleased as a puss' at 'Falla Backa Mi', held at the National Indoor Sports Complex, St. Andrew, on October 1, 2005. Samuels' contribution to comedy was recognised at the second anniversary show of 'Backyaad Crack-Up' on Wednesday night. - ANDREW SMITH/PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR
AS OWEN 'Blakka' Ellis told the tale of Backyaad Crack-Up on Wednesday night, "Two years ago, March 2004, Chris ('Johnny' Daley) said me want to start a show. The first two acts were Ity and Fancy Cat and Blakka. Him say it gwine happen every last Wednesday, no matter what. If 10 people come ..."
Two years, at least 24 shows and many a belly laugh later, there were many multiples of 10 persons at Backyaad, Constant Spring Road, for the second birthday party of the show, as in addition to the persons seated there was a large number standing, every vantage point that could afford even a glimpse of the stage being occupied.
With the verbally battling landlady and tenant couple of Elva and Pretty Boy Floyd hosting, Apache Chief and Sarge, Tubeless, Prince Edwards, Ity and Fancy Cat, Johnny and Iceman and Dance Theatre Xpressions provided the laughs for the celebratory night, which culminated in the cutting of the birthday cake. There was, however, a very special guest.
OLIVER SAMUELS WELCOME
Blakka Ellis described going to Washington D.C., and being asked by a woman working with Homeland Security what he did. He said he was an entertainer and upon being asked to specify further, said comedy. "Like Oliver Samuels?" the lady asked. "Oliver has done a great deal to make comedy and Jamaica synonymous," Blakka said. "His presence at this event is important. Even if him come an sey hello a me name so, it important."
There were screams when Oliver Samuels came onstage. "Be careful of stand-up comedians. They are the liadest ting pon two foot," he said, to more laughter. "Which white woman know me?"
'I believe it is was important for me to be here to endorse this event. The likkle Chris him tun big star an a run tings ... I am glad that in some little way I have been able to give the young people some guidance and say run de ting da way so an it a go good," Samuels said.
REIGNING KING OF JAMAICAN STAND-UP
"I have to say how proud I am of Chris Daley and the Ellis brothers, working every month for two years, making people laugh ... They say laughter is the best medicine, so I would say that Backyaad is the world's number one pharmacy," Samuels said. He was presented with a plaque "in acknowledgement of his generosity of spirit" and "his work in establishing comedy as a viable entertainment option".
"Me a go help more young people, cause me want more plaque," Samuels said, to more laughter.
Ellis left the stage, but was called back by Elva to be presented with a plaque as "reigning king of Jamaican stand-up", Ellis saying that he felt especially good as a brother of his had played music earlier. "Family important," he said.
There was one more commemorative plaque handed out at the comedic birthday party, that coming after Daley had rocked the house with his impersonation of Portia Simpson Miller, repeated "God bless you, I love you" and all. The presentation was made to Daley "in recognition of his vision and perseverance" and there was applause when he said that it was not a one-man show and "this plaque goes out to everybody, not just me."
And with only the cake cutting to be taken care of, Blakka said "Johnny, a you start de ting an' everybody know you work de hardes'."
"Christopher Daley, put de knife inna de cake and wounded it," Blakka instructed. And Daley did.
