Good support for Alpha Boys on 'rapture night'

Curtis Campbell, Gleaner Writer

The much-anticipated Alpha Boys' School charity concert at the National Indoor Sports Centre was nothing short of entertainment and variety, as musicians from all genres of the music industry came out to give their support to the venture.

The evening was off to a slow start as patrons were presumably still looking out for the rapture, however, at approximately 10 p.m., it was show time as emcees Denise 'Isis' Miller from Roots FM and Jody from Kool FM called on the first set of entertainers to grace the stage.

Young artiste Sherika was first to represent the reggae music fraternity, singing her rendition of Marcia Griffiths' I Shall Sing, among other songs. her performance was short and spicy as patrons slowly filled seats in the VIP area.

LUST was next to take the stage, and immediately had the ladies attention by reeling off a series of popular love songs, including Air Supply's Just As I Am. The ladies sang every word.

The group then teased the audience about their preparations for the much-talked-about rapture, then went straight into gospel mode singing Hear My Cry O Lord by Marvia Providence, to the approval of relieved patrons. There was no rapture.

encouraging words

D'Angel was next and she gave a good account of herself while cutting between her performance to give words of encouragement to the Alpha boys who she encouraged to continue to do well because they had made valuable contributions to the music industry. She then performed Hot Gal A Road and First Lady before making way for Khago, who rocked the patrons out of their seats, dropping hits like Caan Cool and Naah Sell Out.

Veteran reggae artiste Freddie McGregor, who gave a priceless performance singing a list of songs from his timeless hits, told The Gleaner that while he was not a past student of Alpha boys, he was very appreciative of the invaluable contribution that the school made to the Jamaican music industry. "more emphasis should be placed on the facilitation of the continuation of entities like these that build the music we enjoy today," he said.

Popular saxophonist Dean Fraser, who later performed with Tarrus Riley, voiced similar sentiments about Alpha Boys' school.

He said the school helped his development in no uncertain terms. Fraser explained how he used to climb over the walls of the institution when he was a youngster just so he could benefit from the music lessons.

important institution

According to Fraser, the school is not just a boys' home, contrary to popular belief, but is actually a very important institution catering to the development of Jamaican music.

The highlight of the night was Beres Hammond who delivered a half-an-hour performance that gently, but most certainly, urged patrons out of their seats.

Bounty Killer and Mavado also had the venue jumping and waving, as they represented dancehall. They too encouraged the audience to participate, delivering hit after hit from hardcore catalogues.

Bringing an end to the night's activities was dancehall veteran and co-promoter of the event, Moses 'Beenie Man' Davis. The artiste gave his usual energetic performance filled with hits and fancy dance moves, much to the amusement of his fans who, not for the first time in the night, participated in the performance.

The Gleaner spoke to Beenie Man before his performance to find out his reason for pushing for the support of Alpha Boys' School.

"It's an honour to be an active participant in the development process and, trust me, to keep this event is like supporting the greatest cause of all causes," Beenie Man explained.

The musical 'doctor' gave thanks to the sponsors and artistes who turned out to perform and promised that next year the event would be bigger and better.

Other artistes who performed included Protoje, Ky-Mani Marley, Tarrus Riley, Jimmy Riley, Chino, and Admiral Tibet.

Keep reading The Gleaner for Michael Reckord's review on performances from The Jamaica Military Band, the Alpha Boys' Big Band, the Omega Element band and the Dubtonic Kru.