Lloyd Lovindeer is caught up in a carnival-like atmosphere at the opening of the 2007 Cricket World Cup, at Florence Hall, in Trelawny. - photo by Dellmar
Adrian Frater, News Editor
WESTERN BUREAU:
The Caribbean passed it first test in the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup with flying colours on Sunday night when a full house at the Trelawny Multi-Purpose Stadium and over 2.5 billion viewers across the world were treated to a mind-blowing opening ceremony, rich in music, colour and movement.
Unfolding against a dazzling late evening twilight setting, Caribbean culture became the centre of the universe as eloquent speeches, gorgeous sights and pulsating music were meticulously blended in the three-hour blast, which evolved around an elegantly decorated black stage, which sat like a prized jewel in centre of the lush outfield.
THE grand start
A Caribbean dancer performs during the opening ceremonies of the 2007 Cricket World Cup.
It all started as a giant orchestra at 5:15 p.m. when the massed bands and corps of drums of the Jamaica Defence Force, smartly attired in their predominantly red and black uniforms, emerged to deafening applause an delivered a brilliant set, laced in Caribbean musical classics, instrumental style.
Without skipping a beat, reggae singer, Sanchez, lifted the tempo, raising goose pimples with his masterful rendition of the Jamaica national anthem, which set the stage for Managing Director of Cricket World Cup 2007 Chris Dehring's tournament preview, and welcome speeches by Jamaica's Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller, and her Grenada counterpart Dr. Keith Mitchell.
The speeches soon made way for more musical excitement as patrons, the cricketers and the various dignitaries rocked to the soothing sounds of South Africa's Drum Caf? and soca-coated sounds of Byron Lee and the Dragonaires, whose musical journey feature the electrifying sounds of Machel Montano, Alison Hinds, Kevin Lyttle and soca monarch, the evergreen Arrow.
Instrumental music continued to hold sway as Len 'Boogsie' Sharpe, Luther Fran?ois and Mungal Patasar delivered a jazzy flavoured package of West Indian music, which blended sweetly with the punchy acoustic presentation of Duffy Brothers from Ireland.
Reggae made a spectacular re-entry, courtesy of South Africa's superstar Lucky Dube as his trademark Peter Tosh sound-a-like voice invaded the venue following the exit of the Duffy Brothers. With his busty but agile female back-up singers dancing up a storm behind, the dreadlocked singer was soon drawing rich applause as he belted out songs such as Welcome and Hello.
Lucky Dube's exit signalled the entry of reggae's hottest commodity, Sean Paul, who quickly had fans screaming and waving as he adjusted their focus with Temperature and Give it Up to Me, which underlined his claim as a top-flight international star.
Reggae was lifted several notches higher when the 'riddim twins', reggae foundation members, Sly and Robbie, took the stage ahead and ushered on revered reggae sons such as Beres Hammond, Buju Banton, Gregory Isaacs and Half Pint, under a blazing drum and bass assault.
The legendary Third World kept the musical intensity bubbling, as they drove the audience into fresh excitement, which only subsided when Mello, the World Cup mascot arrived on the field ahead of a colourful procession, featuring the 16 teams vying for the World Cup.
Cheers of another type soon began filtering from the stage, as after Reggae superstar Shaggy, Rupee and Fay Anne skilfully delivered the CWC anthem. West Indies Cricket Board president Ken Gordon, and ICC president Percy Sonn, briefly addressed the gathering, while West Indies Captain Brian Lara and renowned umpire Steve Bucknor took the official's declarations, respectively, followed by a spectacular fireworks display during which West Indies legend, Sir Gary Sobers, declared the tournament open.
More brilliant performances
Dancers in plantation-inspired costumes twirl away during the opening ceremonies for the Cricket World Cup. - REUTERS photos
The entertainment was soon back to dazzling heights, as stilt walkers and costumed groups took over the outfield and was later boosted by brilliant performances by David Rudder and Lovindeer.
The curtain finally came to a crescendo when the stadium lights were dimmed and a video of reggae legend Bob Marley, strumming his guitar and singing, appeared on an overhead screen. The I Threes - Rita Marley, Marcia Griffiths, and Judy Mowatt - emerged from backstage to take the vocal place before the 'king'.
Reggae Icon Jimmy Cliff, accompanied by deejay Tony Rebel, then performed the last rites, as the potent lyrics of Come Together and Wonderful World preceded an awesome closing fireworks.
A 2007 Trinidad Carnival costume on parade during the opening ceremonies for the 2007 Cricket World Cup. - REUTERS
