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Stirring sets at well-staged 'Fun In The Son'
TYRONE S REID, Observer staff writer reidt@jamaicaobserver.com
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
PAPA San may be permanently based in the United States, but he has not lost the Jamaican connection.
Sharply attired in a full black ensemble, the legendary deejay thrilled the mega-sized crowd at the Fun In The Son gospel showcase last Saturday with an electrifying performance characterised by his unique praise and worship fire, high energy and testimony - just the way his Jamaican audience likes it.
Touching the stage at minutes to 11:00 pm to close the concert, the headliner brought the event to thrilling new heights, offering terrific performances of popular hits including Jesus My Saviour, Help Mi Jesus and There's a Fire. In no time, he had the packed UWI Mona Football Field jumping, waving and begging for more.
With a superb female quartet of background vocalists and a competent backing band, he obliged with more hits from his renowned songbook and a gospelised version of Errol Dunkley's classic Movie Star, which also went over well with the sea of patrons, predominantly young gospel lovers. While expressing his joy to be back in the island, he reminded his fans that "we have to keep Jamaica lock for Jesus" before ending his amazing set with performances of Devil Come Offa Mi and Jesus Mek Me Smile Again.
Reggae gospel artistes Goddy Goddy and Jason Mighty get into the groove at 'Fun In The Son' on Saturday
But long before Papa San touched the stage on Saturday night, the UWI Mona Bowl had been transformed into 'Gospel Party Central', where a carnival-style atmosphere merged with soul-stirring gospel music to create an exhilarating affair. The excellent venue made for an excellent production as things flowed smoothly for the most part (speedy band changes, glitch-free proceedings) with the more than 10,000 concert-goers giving new meaning to 'fun' and 'Make a joyful noise'.
Making way for the headline act were talented performers like Goddy Goddy ("Mi ah di only gospel artiste who have so much attitude") whose lyrical and humorous storytelling kept the crowd amused. While encouraging his Christian brethren to hold on to the "victory", he delivered renditions of Chakka Chai, Sin and his collabos Wi Nuh Fraid (with Jason Mighty) and Hallelujah (featuring Kerron Ennis).
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Headliner Papa San gets deep in his ministry at 'Fun In The Son' at the UWI Mona Bowl on Saturday. |
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DJ Nicholas had the people obeying his every command during his high-energy set, which featured Back To Di Owner, God Ah Mi Warrior and Holy Ghost Gym, before he was joined by Judith Gayle for the duets Things Already Better and Dem Can't Stop It. Gayle, dubbed 'the craziest woman in gospel', was her usual fantastic self during her solo performances of The Sun Will Shine Again, When You See Me Smiling, Jesus Is Alive and My God Is Bigger, which had the crowd singing along word for word.
Reggae-gospel legend Judy Mowatt also offered a captivating 15-minute set, which included the songs I Wanna Be More, Give Me Your Unconditional Love, Many Are Called and Lamb of God, as did an energetic Carlene Davis and the new-look Grace Thrillers, who brought their spirit-filled ministry to the stage. Minister Andrew Palau offered spiritual food for thought during his message segment.
Before dusk, entertaining 10-minute stints came from musician Dennis Rushton, a dapper-looking Kevin Downswell, Omari, Jason Mighty, Ryan Mark and Atlanta-based hip hop gospel artiste IROCC. They were preceded by a host of young ambassadors, who set the tone for a joyful celebration.
Sponsored by Jamaica Broilers, Digicel and the Jamaica Tourist Board, among other entities, the seventh staging of 'Fun In The Son' lived up to expectations.
Then again, that kind of well-organised presentation is expected from the hard-working Glory Music team.