Fabian Ledgister, Staff Reporter
Members of Guyanese group, First Born. - FILE
IT WAS a night to remember at the Vision Sounds label launch, held at the Hilton Kingston hotel on Wednesday. The exceptionally catered event boasted performances from 2004 Red Stripe Superstar Competition winner King Prof, Andrew Bees and Guyanese sensation, First Born, all of whom had simultaneous album launches that night.
Surprise performances from Natural Blacks, Fantan Mojah, veteran, Big Youth, and reggae legend, Gregory Isaacs made the already entertaining show into a night worthy of an entrance fee. The night's performances were backed by the C sharp band, along with the great professor Dean Fraser on saxophone.
OPENING ACT
After a considerable delay due to late arrivals, the launch of the Guyanese label began with a commendable performance from female trio LMJ. Though not launching an album that night, the group had an opportunity to showcase their talent, performing Songs of Happiness, and That Woman, a tribute to the strength of the black woman.
Next on stage was Waterhouse local, Andrew Bees, clad impressively in a cream and gold accen-tuated outfit. The singer/songwriter steered away from the standard of violent and sexual lyrics, and performed Strive, and the album's title track I-ration, much to the delight of the launch's patrons.
"Is a positive vibration. Vision sounds is hardcore reggae, so I feel comfortable there," the former lead singer of Black Uhuru told the Gleaner.
The night only escalated in its excitement as Red Stripe Super-star Competition 2004 winner, King Prof stepped on stage. Prof, named by his father for his exceptional intelligence as a youth, delivered an exceptional performance, including album title track Running Stream, which had the crowd in a frenzy.
ENERGETIC PERFORMANCE
The artiste was able to garner the support of his audience quickly, with his lyrical social commentary. The energetic artiste spoke of relevant problems in Jamaica.
"Music is message, some good, some bad ... I am sending good messages for the youths," stated King Prof.
First Born, the a cappella outfit turned reggae quintet, was arguably the most essential album launch for the label that night. The Rastafarian group's ability to melodiously blend their voices and to capture the essence of reggae music in their delivery, supported the media buzz they have garnered since their debut album, Exodus Chapter 13 Verse II.
HUMBLE GROUP
The humble Guyanese group performed numerous songs including Robbery Will Never Pay, and left such an impact on the audience, that they demanded an encore from the group, who proceeded to display their vocal skills as an a cappella outfit.
"We are honoured to be doing so well in Jamaica, the heart of reggae music," Trayon of First Born told The Gleaner.
Group members Trayon Garrett, Troy Azore, Calston Richmond, Lambert Semple and Shawn Williams expressed their excitement in being able to expand their careers in the country of legends such as Bob Marley, Garnett Silk and Peter Tosh.
Many prominent individuals of the reggae industry were in attendance, including the president of the musical federation, Desmond Young, who regarded the launch as impressive.
"Everyone did very well ... it was a first class event," stated Young.
To the delight of patrons, the night proceeded with an energetic surprise performance by Natural Black, giving the crowd songs like It nice, and Far From Reality.
The night's festivities were far from over, as Fantan Mojah, who was in attendance, set the small Hilton room ablaze with a brief, but intense performance.
"Jus a give blessings an represent. ... each one teach one," stated Fantan Mojah.
The night was stolen however, by reggae icon Gregory Isaacs. Isaacs brought the event to a climactic close, performing numerous hits from his endless repertoire, including international smash hit, Night Nurse.
Though the launch was badly delayed, the variety of delectable finger foods along with a well-stacked bar made the over two hour delay bearable.
