Musical jubilation ...artistes, patrons show colours at free concert

Kes the Band rocked San Fernando Hill last Thursday night, taking patrons on a journey of genres of music past and present, at Petrotrin’s celebratory concert in honour of the nation’s 50th Independence anniversary. The national colours of red, white and black were proudly worn by patrons who enjoyed a cultural extravagzana featuring the sweet sounds of the national instrument, as well as song and dance. In his brief welcoming remarks, Petrotrin’s president Khalid Hassanali said the free concert was put on to give thanks and to mark the nation’s jubilee anniversary. Also taking time to celebrate were Energy Minister Kevin Ramnarine, Public Administration Minister Carolyn Seepersad-Bachan, Transport Minister Chandresh Sharma and San Fernando Mayor Navi Muradali. Kees Dieffenthaller, who grew up in the southern city, showed that he is not only versed in soca, but could outshine any dancehall artiste as he belted out popular reggae and dancehall hits. He left no one out as he also performed retro music, including Michael Jackson favourites and calypso classics.

 

Taking up from where Kees left off, former chutney king Samraj “Rikki Jai” Jaimungal and calypso icon Leroy “Black Stalin” Calliste dished out hit after hit. Although the concert got off to a late start, there was a smooth flow of performances from beginning to end. A Carnival-like atmosphere was created with the sounds of Southern Marines Steel Orchestra and Phase II Pan Groove, with the Kaisokah Moko Jumbies leaping through the crowd. A powerful African dance by the Shashamane Dance Group set the pace for other artistes.  Delivering a strong performance of the spoken word was Keegan Maharaj from Free Town Collective. The infectious rhythms of Petrotrin’s Boodoosingh Tassa Group, the Siparia Rhythm Section and the Shiv Shakti Dancers also kept patrons well entertained. The show ended with fireworks which lit up the dark sky.