On a cool evening in Point Fortin, south-based singer and songwriter Shakeela staged the latest edition of her Back ah Yard series on June 17. The laid back, outdoor event featured poets, musicians and singers, sharing their works before an intimate audience. The show was filmed as part of the promotion of Shakeela's new album. Host Damion Melville entertained with his original brand of folksy humour, and introduced performers including Dennison Vincent, Taharqa Obika and Neeto.
Freetown Collective, Muhammad Muwakil and Lou Lyons, gave an engaging, if solemn performance, revealing they had just heard the news of the death of a friend earlier that day. The mood was not somber, however, with the audience showing appreciation for their songs like Mama Africa andJerusalem, and they were one of the high points of the night.
Shakeela, with her soulful voice, performed some of her songs, including We Need Some Meditation, I Want to Be Your Number One, and Good Morning Love, before a short break. The second half featured more of Shakeela, performing, she said, for the first time on guitar. She delivered more of her trademark inspirational tunes, like General, Weep Not My Child and audience favouriteJah Jah Way. Other performers included singers Silford Barkely and Ronnie.
