By Shawn Seabrookes
Reporter-SKNVibes
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| Shaggy on stage at the 2006 10th Anniversary of St. Kitts Music Festival |
The St. Kitts Music Festival has rapidly ascended the region's festivals ladder and has firmly established itself as one of the premier events in the region, even getting reviews such as the "hottest thing since slice cheese".
The eleventh edition of the prestigious show, which is confirmed for June 21st-23rd, has already sparked much interest because of its usual high quality artistes, which includes the likes of the dance hall entertainer Sean Paul, reggae crooner Maxi Priest, the ever popular Lady Saw, the new and upcoming Tessanne Chin, soca greats Alison Hinds and Machel Montano HD, Ne-Yo and a number of other headliners, who brilliantly complement the local artistes.
Much of the excitement for this year's festival has not only been as a result of the artistes' ine-up but also because of the excellence stemming from previous Music Festivals.
Indeed, last year' festival was probably the dawn of a new era as the festival city was relocated to Warner Park, from the Old Fort Thomas Hotel Grounds, and it signaled the renaissance of the St. Kitts Music Festival, as it took another giant step on fulfilling its mandate of being the premier music festival in the region.
Interestingly, the excitement leading up to last year' festival was a bit stifled as most were skeptical about the performing capabilities of several artistes on the line-up.
However, by the time the festival was over, patrons were vocally and visibly expressing their satisfaction with the success of the tenth edition of the St. Kitts Music Festival.
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| Dancehall sensation Beenie Man performing at the 10th Annual St. Kitts Music Festival |
Arrow, the soca legend, proved to the masses that he has gotten better with age. Testimony to that was the open appreciation of his music by young people, who were previously thought to be too young to enjoy Arrow' soca rhythms.
By the time he had finished performed, "Feeling Hot Hot Hot"was not only the title for one of the more popular Arrow songs but it was also a fair description of how the thousands in attendance felt, as they beckoned for more.
Morgan Heritage and Beenie Man, both repeat performers at the S. Kitts Music Festival, ensured that their performances were on par with the high standards pre-established by the knowledgeable music lovers who patronize the show.
By the time Shaggy graced the stage with his presence, the atmosphere was already transformed as the fans clamoured closer to the stage, especially the ladies. He reaffirmed himself as a crowd pleaser.
Air Supply was simply magnificent. They seemed to have some special potion set aside that allowed them to magically grasp the audience and transform venue to a love forum. ~~Adz:Right~~
The group bedazzled the thousands with their "oldy goldies", including "Lost in Love" and "Here I am" and showed that they were still masters of their domain.
Just when would have thought that the '96 Music Festival could not have gotten any better, Akon burst on stage and stunned the crowd with his splendid musical delivery. It was testimony of the ingenious planning by the Music Festival Committee, blending the icons of yesteryear with the stars of today.
The Senegalese born singer had patrons singing his hit tunes such as "Pot of Gold" and "Locked Up", long after the night was done.
Definitely, the St. Kitts Music Festival has transcended the boundaries of "beginners" jitter" to a musical phenomenon that has redefined the Caribbean's musical landscape.
The count down has long begun and there is an insatiable thirst for the immaculate blend of music.
