Krista Henry, Staff Reporter

Mavado (left) and Busy Signal storm the stage at Red Stripe 'Beer Evolution Party and Show', at Mas Camp, Oxford Road, New Kingston, last Friday. - photos by Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer

Painting the town red was Red Stripe's Beer Evolution, held last Friday night at Mas Camp, Oxford Road, St. Andrew. Living red with passion and pride, Red Stripe showcased its brand new campaign at its premiere party.

Carla Redwood, marketing manager for Red Stripe Beer, said "Our new advertising campaign 'Live Red' is really built on the colour red, communicating certain things about the brand, such as passion and pride, all the positive images." According to Redwood, one can expect to see visuals in accordance with the new campaign hitting the streets soon.

Patrons seem to be embracing the campaign already, as they turned out in their numbers on Friday night. The event was an invitation only party; however, it seemed that invitations were made in abundance as the venue was packed. The colour red was prominently featured, and patrons entered celebrity style on a red carpet.

One lady commented on entering, "Lawd dem even have red carpet, mi feel like celebrity." Inside, the venue was also consistent with the theme, with huge screens in the centre so that patrons could see what was going on onstage.

Red Stripe flowed for the night, as the bar was stacked with free beer. Everywhere patrons could be seen with red stripe in hand. Jerry D and Deidra were MCs for the evening and patrons were treated to a pleasant surprise, as minutes after midnight, the younger members of the Alliance graced the stage.

Performances

First up was Aidonia, who got the crowd moving for a while, but the big surprise was the bandaged and bruised Mavado. Although being allegedly beaten and hospitalised, Mavado showed why he was a 'gangsta for life' as no injuries could keep him down. The fans raved to see him, as he belted out "once more again".

Busy Signal was also onstage with Mavado; the two got the best out of the audience as Busy performed, Step Out. The fervour continued as he lyrically teased the audience with an interesting new song. The crowd got a spelling lesson as Busy proclaimed, "Every word in this song begin with the letter P." Cries of 'bullet bullet' rang throughout as the crowd listened in awe.

Tony Matterhorn came on after Busy and Mavado. Matterhorn did not disappoint; as he started off with Dutty Wine, the ladies in the crowd went wild, swinging and gyrating to Matterhorn's instructions. With a few humorous comments in between, Matterhorn ended with Goodas. Renaissance Disco's Delano and Jazzy T masterfully held down the turntable for the rest of the night.

Vibes were strong as the crowd danced to rap, dancehall, soca, and sang to slow tunes, such as Tanya Stephens' These Streets and Da' Ville's On my mind.

Patrons left the venue minutes after two, some in a drunken haze, but all were content.

Left: The Red Stripe girls show why living red is fun in these skimpy numbers during the show.   Right: A model presents a design by Biggy during the Red Stripe 'Beer Evolution.'