BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE last bit in the cup of the 19th edition of the St. Kitts Music Festival was poured out last evening to expectant fans of the artistes who performed at the event, bringing an unforgettable end to the internationally-acclaimed festival.
Renowned saxophonist Arturo Tappin warmed up the Music Festival stage, putting his own twist on popular songs including John Legend’s ‘Green Light’.
Tappin’s more than 45-minute performance resonated with the hundreds strong audience, especially when he played Sia’s ‘Chandelier’ and ‘Betcha By Golly, Wow’.
The saxophonist is known for the skill he exhibits every time he hits a stage with his fingers expertly traversing the keys of the instrument, but he is also known to have a melodious voice which he whips out every now and then to add enjoyment to his fans.
Tappin’s presentation featured solos by his band’s vocalists and also 11-year-old Jamaican artiste Simona, who is said to be the next Tessa Chin. She beautifully performed ‘Bridge over Troubled Water’.
His act saw highlighted several genres of music, including dancehall and gospel, and he ended on a very happy note with Pharrell Williams’ ‘Happy’ song.
Dancers then filed onto the stage and began doing their choreographed moves while the crowd was amped with eyes fastened to the stage in anticipation of the entrance of local artiste, Infamus.
And with boisterous applause, he was welcomed to the stage singing ‘Rise’.
Infamus last performed on the Music Festival stage in 2010 and he held to the promise made prior to last evening’s event to deliver a reminiscent performance featuring his past work.
The repertoire of his performance included ‘Miss You Jamie’, ‘As Time Rolls On’, ‘21 Gun Salute’, ‘Gonna Make It’, ‘World on My Shoulder’ and ‘Feel Like Crying’.
He also performed two collaborative songs - one of which was ‘Love without You’ with Kaeve ‘MiMi’ Armstrong.
Infamus truly represented last evening and ended his performance with what can be described as his most popular song; a song which has been adopted by many as their anthem, ‘Love St. Kitts Bad’, which sent the crowd into frenzy.
Then there was sexiness! Trey Songz, and really that is all that needs to be said.
Captivating the attention of the ladies and effortlessly extracting screams from them, the one-man act pulled from his collection and performed several songs including ‘We Can’t Be Friends’, ‘Slow Motion’, ‘Dive In’, ‘Heart Attack’, ‘Paranoid’, ‘Neighbours Know My Name’.
Much like the other performers, Songz made it his business to interact with his audience, pointing out specific individuals in the crowd.
In a show of love for the Federation, he borrowed a St. Kitts/Nevis flag from a patron which he sported for the remainder of his performance, first from his back pocket then tied around his right wrist.
Continuing in the vein of sexiness was Jason Derulo.
The single ‘Married’ singer who is of Haitian parentage, brought a spectacular end to the evening and to the 19th annual St. Kitts Music Festival.
‘Want to Want Me’, ‘Don’t Wanna Go Home’, ‘Marry Me’, ‘Take Me to The Other Side’, ‘Whatcha Say’ and ‘It Girl’ were just some of the hits Derulo performed for the inviting crowd.
It was interesting to watch him in action when, with the help of his band and DJ, a song was composed and performed onstage about angels but which featured the island of St. Kitts.
Derulo’s smooth voice wasn’t the only pull factor, as his avid dance moves were mesmerising and captivating to say the least.
As he began each song, the crowd, which had grown to thousands, indicated their pleasure at the selection via screams and shouts.
Mid-way through his performance, the artiste rid himself of his shirt, revealing the toned structure that was concealed. The ladies were surely not disappointed!
Before bringing an end to his routine, Derulo performed a couple of his new songs, and during the last one he dismounted the stage to greet several of his adoring fans.
The event was ably hosted by Clement ‘Monarch’ O’Garro and Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Model, who is of Kittitian parentage, Damaris Lewis, and the audience was treated to two doses of comedy from Trinidadian comedian Rachel Price.
