Poor attendance and late start aside, artistes Romain Virgo and Bounty Killer were the ones who had the biggest impact at Hennessy Artistry that was held at Old Coal Wharf, Port Royal, on Saturday.
Although slated to start at 10 p.m., sound system Flava Unit was still playing up until 12:30 a.m. before Dance Xpressions took the stage with some of the latest dance moves. This was followed by violinist Jessica Yap, who stepped onstage in a body-hugging dress with mesh at the front. The young woman looked sultry as she danced and played the soothing violin. She got loud whistles and shouts from the small audience as she did songs like I Will Survive and Jammin. But after playing for more than 30 minutes, she seemed to have worn the audience a bit thin and they were less responsive than they were in the initial stages. There was a surprise addition in the form of Nitty Kutchie, but the only thing that stood out in his set was his spike-covered hat and over-the-knee shorts.
Finally, the band was ready and Romain Virgo took the stage with much energy, jumping at intervals as he sang Live Mi Life. Quite the passionate performer, he was entertaining as he did songs like Caan Sleep and Love Doctor.
Going into a ballad, When A Woman Loves, he drew patrons into his performance and all his high yet melodious notes. Showing off his singing talent, he followed with songs like Let’s Get It On and Don’t You Remember, before other reggae songs like I Know Better and Rich In Love. He then gave Esco Levi a taste of the stage before continuing with The System.
Richie Stephens came shortly after but people did not start moving to his songs until he got to Weakness For Sweetness and Winner. He got the biggest response when he closed with Live Your Life that had patrons singing along.
Stepping on to the stage as a more tamer version of his Bounty Killer moniker, Rodney Pryce was able to make people move closer to the stage. He was rather interactive and after doing what was becoming a monologue about poverty, he sang Fed Up. He complained about the quality of the sound, lashed out at demons and then spoke at lengths about his mother.
Humorous on the night, he had people laughing about the advancement in mobile devices, before getting ‘forwards’ for Cellular Phone. Song after song, he proudly went deep into his catalogue with songs like Book, Sufferer, Special Delivery, Can’t Believe Mi Eyes, Anytime and Look Into My Eyes.
“We working, I a’int coming off enuh,” he said at 4:20 a.m.
With much elegance, Jessica Yap entertained the audience on violin.
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