Krista Henry, Staff Reporter
Left: The Mighty Diamonds had the crowd rocking at The Prime Minister's Independence Gala, held at Jamaica House, St. Andrew, on Monday, August 7. Right: Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller (right) leads the applause for veteran producer Sonia Pottinger after presenting her with an award. -
Photos by Colin Hamilton/Freelance Photographer
Sweet slow jams echoed from Jamaica House on Monday night at the Prime Minister's Independence Gala. The event was in celebration of not only the island's independence, but also our 50 years of recorded music.
The stage was well decorated and the event smoothly run, starting promptly at 8:00 p.m., with well organised and choreographed pieces. All stood in national pride as the Church On The Rock choir sang the National Anthem, after which they performed a song and dance. The dance incorporated the national colours making various designs and patterns. The Tivoli Dancers depicted the evolution of Jamaican music from the ska era onwards, through their dance piece.
The first performer for the night, Prince Buster, received a good response for his medley of ska hits. He was followed by Derrick Harriott, who wooed the crowd with his sweet voice and sad love songs.
Sweet, sweet Coco Tea followed. He was backed by producers Steelie and Clevie. Before he began, he cautioned the guests, "If you must bruk out, bruk out responsibly." Coco Tea did a lively set, getting the crowd moving. After the dose of reggae, Claudelle Clarke followed with gospel works from awardee Sonia Pottinger. Towards the end, she did an energetic dance that had the audience laughing. Three decades of music history followed next through the Mighty Diamonds, who showcased their exquisite voices to the crowd. The emcee, Karen Smith, did renditions of the late great Desmond Dekker. She did a great job, as her set was lively and well received.
She was a hard act to follow but the sweet voice of Maxi Priest melted the hearts of the audience as he performed songs such as Wild World. The ladies in the audience obviously enjoyed the set from the internationally acclaimed act. Nadine Sutherland surprised the crowd by only performing one song, but she performed it well. The great John Holt did a truly moving set, giving his opinions on politics and Jamaican music.
Holt was a bundle of energy, giving three cheers for the Prime Minister and the Leader of Opposition, reminding the audience "We're not one of the worse, we're one of the best."
Awards were given by the Honourable Portia Simpson Miller to artistes and producers alike. Awardees included producer Sonia Pottinger, producer Joe Gibbs, musicians and producers Steelie and Clevie, producer King Jammy, producers and performers Prince Buster and Derrick Harriott, as well as performers Maxi Priest, the Mighty Diamonds and Alton Ellis.
The backing band for the night was the legendary Lloyd Parkes and We the People.
