Noel Thompson, Freelance Writer

From left: Arielle Bernard, Renée Atkinson, Caroline Perrier and Hopeton Rose (background) all from Montego Bay, enjoy garlic crab at the Little Ochie Seafood Carnival in St Elizabeth, last Sunday. - Denise Reid/Freelance photographer

WESTERN BUREAU:

The SEA of people spilled on to the stage as thousands of patrons jostled to see their favourite artistes at the 10th annual Little Ochie Seafood Carnival in Alligator Pond, St Elizabeth, Sunday night.

Scores of children, many appearing to be as young as five, made up the audience.

Veteran singer Leroy Gibbons, demonstrated he was still in good shape, opening with Never Give Your Love Away. Four Season Lover was next from his collection and the crowd buzzed with excitement.

Encore

Gibbons interrupted his flow and shouted: "If uno love it, say gwaan Gibbo," and the crowd responded in like manner. He belted out popular hits such as Missing You and Cupid.

His efforts earned him an encore.

Rising Stars winners Romain Virgo and Nikesha Barnes were equal to the task.

George Nooks performed Lay Your Troubles On My Shoulder, and was a crowd pleaser.

Known for his vintage renditions, Nooks dipped in his archive for Ray Charles' I Can't Stop Loving You followed by Al Green's God Is Standing By.

Energetic performance

Byron Lee and the Dragonaires returned for a second session of pulsating soca music. Ashley, CL and Jomo turned up the heat for more than an hour, combining an energetic performance with a string of soca and reggae songs.

Eleven-year-old Mumzi of Junction, St Elizabeth, proved her age was not a reflection of her talent, as the young DJ had the crowd screaming at her social commentaries.

"Fire bun fi a bwoy who rape di people pickney dem," she said.

Other performers included Macka Diamond, Jah Mason and Stacious. Richie B and Reggae Rogers emceed the event.