Oneil's final goodbye

Garfene Grandison, Gleaner Writer

Members of the entertainment fraternity, family, friends and well-wishers turned out in droves at Church On the Rock on Saturday to pay their final respects to a beloved entertainer.

The thanksgiving service for Oneil 'Swaggerrific' Edwards, of Voicemail fame was not for mourning.

The ceremony was mostly a celebration of a life well lived, which touched persons in various corners of the globe. According to Edward's Uncle-in law Lascelles Bailey, who gave the eulogy, "Oneil's music and, by extension, Voicemail has touched the lives of people from as far as Europe, Canada and Japan."

The entertainment fraternity represented a large percentage of the 'mourning ' population. Even the Gully God Mavado was present, entourage in tow of course.

The vibe and youthfulness of the many members in attendance was a true testament to Edwards' spirit and character.

Sombre expressions were present though, at least when persons arrived at the church.

Pastor Franz Fletcher gave the opening prayer, and the heavy gloom that had initially hung over the congregation slowly lifted with his kind words.

Olivia 'Babsy' Grange, minister of youth, sports and culture was also on hand to pay tribute to Edwards, and challenged entertainers to use the tragedy as a sign that citizens needed to reclaim the country from villains. According to her, entertainers needed to make the difference by changing their lyrics.

The most memorable of the tributes was read by Tara Playfair-Scott of Street Smart, Marlon Burke of Solid Agency and Camille Didier of Headline Entertainment.

Each of them gave their account of the life Edwards lived and it came as no surprise that they all told stories of a happy, mischievous and entertaining individual.

The musical tribute directed by notable singer/saxophonist Ibo Cooper brought tears to the the eyes of many.

Spiritual and humbling

Performed by artistes, Alaine, Christopher Martin, Kevin Blaire, Craig Jackson, Omari, T.O.K and To-Isis, the track, titled Praise his name proved spiritual and humbling so much so that it gained an encore from Pastor Fletcher toward the end of the service.

Tweets and Facebook posts on the happenings went out almost immediately.

The eulogy embodied the spirit of the deceased dancer and singer - laughter and fun - as it retraced Edwards' journey from an ordinary boy to the star-studded entertainer that he became.

At the end of the tribute, one could not help but smile, knowing full well that Edwards ended up doing what he had been doing since he was a boy.

The offertory hymn Oh Happy day was quite fitting, since it was the "celebration" of a life rather than the loss of one. A special offering was collected in aid of the Kingston Public Hospital's Intensive Care Unit and Television Jamaica's Change a life Charity.

Edwards was interred at Meadowrest Cemetery in St Catherine.

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Oneil