Janet Silvera, Senior Gleaner Writer

Sean Kingston was a 'Platinum' hit at the Jamaica Tourist Board Jamaica Day celebration at the Seaport in Manhattan, New York City, on Monday afternoon. - Photo by Janet Silvera

WESTERN BUREAU:

A prologue similar to the pre-movie surround sound demonstration in cinemas heralded Sean Kingston's arrival onstage at the Seaport in Manhattan, New York City, on Monday afternoon during the Jamaica Tourist Board's 'Jamaica Day' celebration.

Like a ship entering a harbour to a rapturous reception, the Beautiful Girl platinum artiste had a chorus of screaming young people in the audience, waving black, green and gold flags in unison while chanting "oh, oh, oh".

Kingston, shining beautifully in bright yellow kickers, his sidekick in orange, immediately declared that his hit single, Beautiful Girl, had been certified platinum, selling some 13 million copies in the last year.

But the song wasn't only thing that had gone platinum; the talented 18-year-old Jamaican artiste's body was heavily draped in the precious silvery white metallic element, imprinted with the words, 'Time Money Entertainment (TME)', his own label.

Proud jamaican

Not satisfied with the distance of the stage from his audience, Richie Stephens came up close and personal while delivering a stellar performance at the Jamaica Tourist Board's Jamaica Day celebration at the Seaport in Manhattan, New York City.

The rock on his fingers sparkled; his pierced earlobes 'bawled out'; the chain around his neck almost covered his chest, and his bracelet, the diameter of his wrist.

"I am a proud Jamaican," he announced. He was a hit and the vibes that had already been created on the pier were the precursor to a live-wire performance.

Kingston's performance was preceded by Jamaica's unofficial musical ambassador Richie Stephens, whose larger-than-life delivery saw him leaving the stage to mingle with the crowd that turned out for the occasion.

Stephens commanded the attention of the crowd effortlessly, taking the music several notches upwards as the performance progressed.

A blazing 'Jewmaican' who goes by the name 'Danny Yadas' was also a part of the talented line-up of acts at the event.

The young Buju Banton in the making, whose name is Germaine 'Kyenie' Ferguson, showcased the conscious aspect of the Jamaican music, delivering cultural and uplifting renditions.

Nteracted with audience

Kyenie, with guitar in hand, sang Rain, used in the movie Shottas, to interact with the audience about the power of the magical rain in washing off envy and grudge from 'bad-minded' people.

Ferguson was preceded by an act that received a lot of attention, the Jewish reggae artiste, Behn 'Benny Bwoy' Goldis. Looking almost out of place in a 'Mr Ramos' exclusive Italian suit, Benny Bwoy, his traditional Jewish head covering (yarmulker) emblazoned with a Jamaican flag, was looked upon differently when he opened his mouth.

Dancehall lyrics spewing from his larynx, he and his black 'twin brother' Damion 'Lynx' Oakley behaved onstage as if they were Michigan and Smiley.

The vibes were good and the scene a harmonious sea of black, green and gold. Even the hoteliers, who manned their booths throughout the day selling Destination Jamaica, had no further need to say 'Once You Go, You Know', as those in attendance got a great flavour to the rich and vibrant Jamaican culture.