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Romain Virgo steals wine festival

Published:Monday | August 15, 2011 | 12:00 AM
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Romain Virgo was superb as he performed at the International Reggae Wine Festival in Montego Bay. Here he serenades a young lady. - Photo by Sheena Gayle
Tessanne Chin could do no wrong as she did her set and interacted with her fans as she performed.
John Holt in his element.
Alaine showed off her piano skills as she sizzled at the first staging of the International Reggae Wine Festival.
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Sheena Gayle, Gleaner Writer

Western Bureau:

The future of reggae is in safe hands and Romain Virgo showed why when he gave a brilliant performance at the inaugural staging of the International Reggae Wine Festival at Cinnamon Hill in Montego Bay on Saturday.

Romain Virgo with his youthful charm and infectious vocals sang his way into the hearts of hundreds who turned out to support the premier event, and showed that he has matured since his Digicel Rising Stars days.

He is no longer the 17-year-old rising star who toiled through the television competition to become victorious; Virgo has now become a permanent staple in the hearts of many and songs like Rain is Falling and Can't Sleep expose his superb vocal range and diversity.

He showed that although reggae was his choice genre that he could, in fact, make a switch to dancehall as he craftily did Busy Signal's Government Luu.

Early entertainment provided by Bare Essentials offered a vibrant appetiser for the evening. The band put the audience under its influence with an excellent set.

The melodious voice of Tessanne Chin resonated across the venue as she executed her set with great music that her fans enjoyed.

A newly wedded Tessanne let everyone know music provides that Hide Away and that she is a Messenger.

The International Reggae Wine Festival offered the ultimate wine and music experience and served up some of the best wines and spirits from Jamaican and international wine purveyors, including Lascelles Wines and Spirits, Betco Premier Limited, 1876 Wines, among several others.

Engaging performance

Alaine was among the billed acts who delivered an engaging set. From her piano-playing skills to pausing at regular intervals to talk to the audience, Alaine mesmerised the audience with reggae music.

Hitting every note, Alaine dropped Sacrifice and No Ordinary Love, showing no signs that she would stop producing solid tracks with the potential to withstand the test of time.

The legendary John Holt closed the show in fine style and showed that his music is timeless.

The Stick By Me singer had the audience intoxicated with his music, as they sang and danced to every hit he performed.

His calm and soothing demeanour coupled with his onstage presence was enough to have the crowd put down glasses of wine, remove shoes and dance to songs like Ali Baba, I Want A Love I Can Feel among the other hits from his cataloque.