BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – HEARTFELT performances, hugs, kisses, congratulatory remarks and recognition trophies were the sugary elements that created a most sizzling and memorable atmosphere in celebration of Island Xpression’s Fifth Anniversary held at Ma Pau on Port Zante on Thursday (Mar. 21).
The highly-anticipated event saw a host of artistes - poets, musicians, singers and dancers - who delivered top notch performances.
Highlights of the evening included a performance from visiting national and IX alumna, Heather Archibald, who emerged onstage bearing thick sheets of paper.
She humorously said, “Don’t worry, I’m not going to read all of this”, to which one member of the audience remarked, “Oh, good…cause I was wondering if it was one poem.”
Archibald proudly announced that the papers were a manuscript for a book she is currently working on. She then delivered three riveting pieces, which included one entitled ‘Stinking Toe’ - an ode to the much beloved fruit which she described as a “delicious forbidden fruit”.
James Galloway, a Nevisian poet, kept the intensity going with a provocative piece that outlined the highs and lows of a relationship. His creative use of metaphors and his cheeky humour had the entire audience, particularly the ladies, riding on his every word. His final line, “Every relationship is different, so if it ain’t yours, it’s none of your business”, sent the audience into a frenzy.
When Duggins, the founder of IX and host for the night, asked Galloway about his interest and drive for poetry, he replied, “I grew up poor and my mother didn’t have money to buy toys, so I played with words instead.”
After his show-popping performance, Galloway had the privilege of introducing a newcomer to the IX stage.
Naturally, all eyes were on the slender beauty as she made her way onstage. It soon became evident that Galloway’s description of the newcomer, who was the subject of his provocative poem, was also an individual whose ability to play with words was incredible.
The slender beauty was Jahnel Nisbett, a teacher from Nevis, whose poem had many patrons guessing and being very suggestive, only to learn that the subject of the poem was not a man, but her computer.
Upon realisation, there were many ‘oooohhhings’ and ‘ahhhhings’ coming from her audience.
Also of note was a performance by Ken Crossley - an IX veteran - who recited a poem entitled ‘IX Groupie’ which described IX as a “force to be reckoned with”.
A dreadlocked beauty, Elsie Harry, delivered a dramatic piece which she explained meant the most to her from all her pieces.
In a very passionate tone, she bellowed, “I am in love with my hair, with this hair that I wear.” She also hailed her locks as symbols of “strength and beauty”.
Harry lamented on the negative attention that her hair has gotten as she exclaimed, “My mother hates my hair!”
The night also featured noteworthy performances from a number of performers: POETS - Jonelle Irish, Kimi Lee Knight and Carla Astaphan; SINGERS - Charles ‘Charlie’ Emanuel, Zarhea Franklyn, Khyla Browne, and Simba and Ras Khalid; DANCERS - Desi Browne and Rolston.
However, the night was not only about performing, but also one for reflection and recognition.
After Deputy Clerk of the St. Kitts-Nevis National Assembly, Jihan Williams expressed her heartfelt appreciation for the Island Xpressions’ forum, she was presented with an award by Duggins in recognition of her dedication to the IX movement.
Interestingly, the audience learned from the seasoned poet that her famous poem “Mathematically Mad” is being studied at a University in Cameroon, as a result of the exposure her work has received through IX.
This led the way to a ceremony where at least 25 awards were presented to IX artistes, members of staff and dedicated IX patrons.
The list included long standing poets Ken Crossley, Heather Archibald and Carla Astaphan. Additionally, Unoma Allen was honoured as the first IX host while Kimi Lee Knight was recognised for being the youngest consistent IX performer.
However Knight was not the only recipient in her clan, as the young poet’s father also picked up the award for the Most Supportive Parent.
On receipt of his award, the proud father said, “I cannot think of a better place to raise my child than at Island Xpressions.”
After each awardee was presented with their token of appreciation, comments about what IX meant to them were shared with the audience.
Following the award ceremony, a number of the awardees and performers surprised Duggins by going onstage and ‘squeezed’ a rare performance out of him.
Duggins, who goes by the Hip Hop alias Z-Dan, had not performed publicly for quite some time.
With the chorus led by Jihan Williams, a blushing Duggins was convinced to ‘spit’ out his lyrics.
Following the rendition, Duggins was once again showered with words of love, and that had set the stage for an announcement, which could only be described, as “shocking”.
One could have heard the dropping of a pin, as the popular saying goes, when the forum’s brainchild announced that the Fifth Anniversary Celebration was “bitter sweet”.
Sensing the anxiety of those in attendance, he reassured them that he was not going to discontinue IX in its entirety.
“You frighten me just now”, exclaimed one relieved patron.
Seemingly trying to hold back his tears, Duggins, appeared emotional as he revealed that there would be a three-month break for the monthly event.
He explained that there would be a reduction on the staging of IX events, as its demanding nature leaves little time for him to pursue other goals in his business and personal life. In particular, Duggins highlighted his desire to spend quality time with his infant son.
Interestingly, SKNVibes found out that number five also holds another special meaning for the first time father, whose infant son turned five months on the day after Island Xpressions Fifth Anniversary Celebrations.
The night ended on a high note with reflections from Duggins, who stated that he did not expect the night to be about him because he wanted to honour the performing artistes and patrons who have made IX what is.
“All I do is turn on the lights and turn on the AC. You are the ones who make it happen,” a humble Duggins remarked.
Upon reflection of the five year milestone, he talked about the personal growth of artistes, including those who would have started at a young age.
He made reference to Patrick Walters, a former student of the Washington Archibald High School, who first attended IX when he was in Third Form and is now attending university overseas.
“I’ve seen people grow up”, Duggins exclaimed, “This is serious business!”
IX is normally held on the last Thursday of every month.
The Fifth Anniversary Celebration event was sponsored by Brimstone Hill, Crime Stoppers, SCASPA, T.D.C, Digicel and Ma Pau.
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