The Hedonism II Entertainment co-ordinators 'got on bad', as they showed off the costumes available for the upcoming road march in Negril. - Janet Silvera PhotoWESTERN BUREAU:
IT TOOK the arrival of midnight for the grounds of Risky Business in Negril to become 'corked' with Jamaica Carnival revellers and it was an invasion by the unmatched Byron Lee and the Dragonaires that caused it.
Soca repositioned reggae in Negril on Friday night, as calypso lovers who journeyed from all parts of the island, jumped, bounced, sprinted and twisted at the command of the Caribbean's number one soca band.
However, the Byron Lee crew, known for their inimitable versatility, ensured that reggae was neatly placed in the mix. It shared the 'stage' with rock and roll but soca was duly allowed its rightful place at centre stage.
From as early as 10:30 p.m., the Risky Business car park venue, located on Negril's seven- mile beach was jamming to the sounds of the region with the maniac Oscar B leading the pack and MC extraordinaire which Jerry D in tow.
Within an hour the audience, who came prepared in gym wear, 'short shorts' and 'belly teasers' were creating waves in the mind of at least one Rastafarian man, whose only way of expressing himself was, "... di gal dem bad in ya." He was seemingly pleased or obviously unaccustomed to having such a large gathering of sexily-dressed women in his midst.
There were more women in the venue than 'John the Baptist' could write about, many of them overly convinced their stomachs were flat enough to be exposed and several over-confident their legs were 'shorts friendly'.
However, none of these things were of real importance. All that mattered was the music that ruled and controlled the loins and mind. It was a night of great vibes, good rum, fantastic music and perpetual aerobics 'dancercise'.
At half past midnight, all pride and shyness were completely eroded as the audience 'got on bad' and the presence of Hedonism II's entertainment team showing off the available Road March costumes and
more, did nothing to restrict
the behaviour.
The night was filled with exhilaration and togetherness and the people at the Appleton bar did not have enough hands to serve the large group of drinkers that converged at its counters while Cable and Wireless just did not have enough of their 'Cellie Rags' to wipe the sweat from the dripping foreheads.
This was a venue with a lot of electricity, at the front of the house there was soca, soca, soca, reggae, and rock and roll, while at the back of the property another group of party animals, oblivious to the activities in front danced the night away to DJ, Whiteboy.
Five hours later, after Byron Lee and the Dragoniares exited the stage, the part animals were unleashed at the Jungle Night-club where the vibes continued until 5:00 a.m.
Come Sunday March 30, another group of Carnival lovers will line the streets of Negril in the town's annual Road March.
