A perfect blend was promised, but the verdict may still be out on whether patrons left convinced they had the right mix of performers at this year’s Hennessy Artistry.
The packed audience at Kensington Oval was left swaying from side to side at some points and enjoying the deejay music more so than the performances at times.
The night started off on a high note, with the Energy Band and local acts, Marvay, Don Trent, King Bubba, and Leadpipe and Saddis.
These local acts touched down and set the pace for what was expected to be a great night.
When international artiste and headline act Keyshia Cole grace the stage at 11:19 p.m., the masses all rushed to the front of the stage and took up every vantage point to get a glimpse of the Grammy nominated artiste. But soon after many retreated to their previous positions by the bar and in small groups made conversation amongst themselves seemingly not impressed.
Keyshia Cole
Cole worked hard but was clearly affected by some technical difficulties on stage, as she delivered hit after hit including Should Have Cheated and Should Have Let You Go.
Visibly upset by the challenges, she told the crowd, “We gonna move past all the negative vibes in here tonight. God is good, the devil is a lie and God is the truth, let’s have a good time Barbados.”
She continued with two of her most popular hits Heaven Sent and Love and managed to get the crowd to sing along.
Reggae artist Jah Cure was next on stage and he too faced some challenges.
He appeared hoarse and was not his usual self. In fact, his fans acted as his choir for the night.
Jah Cure
Popcaan was on next and he overwhelmingly won the approval of the crowd.
One female patron even showed her love for the Everything Nice singer by kissing his feet.
Popcaan
The crowd came alive with the first, ‘yaohhhhhh’ from the Jamaican singer and from there he delivered singing hits like Ravin, Hear Dem A Talk, Party Shot, Only Man She Want, and some of his newer hits Unruly and Rup Rup among many others.
It only got better after Popcaan.
Anthony B in all is glory, could very well have saved the day. He delivered an excellent performance that not even rain and a disturbance due to a fight could hinder.
Anthony B
He began his performance with Bob Marley’s hit Redemption Song, and followed on with hits like Good Cop Bad Cop, Don’t Wanna Be, I Understand, Woman, Damage, among many others.
During his performance the mighty Shabba Ranks also graced the stage and sang many of his hits including Bedroom Bully and Ting a Ling.
Shabba Ranks
Also making a guest performance on the night was Kranium who sang his hit song Nobody Haffi Know.