Mixed bag for athletes - Arena entertainment has highs and lows

Davina Henry, Gleaner Writer

The Government-organised celebration for Jamaica's Olympic athletes turned out to be a mix of highs, lows and disorganisation.

The event, which was hosted by broadcasters Fae Ellington and Patrick Anderson, saw the Government presenting hefty cheques to those athletes who performed well at the Games in London, and featured performances from some of the biggest names in local entertainment. However, that wasn't enough to save the poorly structured programme.

Producers structured the show with oddly timed video presentations between blocks of performances. These may have been masking band changes, but ended up negatively impacting the presentation.

Before showering gifts and cash awards on the sportsmen and women, Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller commended the Paralympians for their dedication and for their tremendous success.

Simpson Miller also paid tribute to the Olympians, telling them they deserved much more than the Government was able to offer.

performances

However, on the night, the Government offered an array of artistes. The Jolly Boys were up first and the mento maestros had the crowd singing along to classic and contemporary music.

Evangelist Sandra Brooks also delivered an outstanding performance.

Reggae greats Marcia Griffiths, Freddie McGregor, Leroy Sibbles and George Nooks were in top form and had the audience rocking away to their songs.

Artistes Queen Ifrika, Alaine and Assassin gave the audience a taste of some of their older songs. Singjay I-Octane stood out among the performers, delivering a stellar set.

Although they are yet to confirm their romance, Christopher Martin joined Ce'Cile onstage and delivered playful back-and-forth banter which excited the audience.

While he delivered a spirited performance, Konshens' set was inappropriate at times. Delving into songs such as Bubble and So Me Tan, Konshens' set left little to the imagination.

Konshens further pushed the envelope by stating that Usain Bolt should be made a national hero.

The event was closed by the King of the Dancehall Beenie Man, who delivered a rousing performance.