Busy Signal thrills fans 'in the East'

KINNESHA GEORGE

Jamaican dancehall reggae artiste Reanno Devon Gordon, stage name Busy Signal, made a return to the stage in Tobago on Saturday evening during day two of the Tobago Jazz Experience.

The Speyside Recreational Grounds was transformed as Jazz in the East fans were thrilled by the line-up of both local and regional acts.

Busy led the line-up of heavyweights, including Marcia Griffiths and Duane Stephenson, who came head to head alongside local soca artistes Swappi and Turner as well as local band Imij and Company. Local artistes opened the day's event

By the time Turner was introduced, fans rose from their seats and flocked the stage. He performed hits such as Treat Me Nice and She Bad before the 2019 Groovy Champ, Swappi, was announced. Swappi belted out hits such as Party Start and Bucket, before taking the packed Speyside Recreational Grounds back to 2010 for No Games.

Fans jumped, screamed and cheered as they called for more. The band Imij and Company offered just that, performing a mix of soca, reggae, dancehall, and pop.

The momentum was kept alive as Jamaican reggae singer Stephenson slid into the roots reggae genre with hits such as From August Town and Cottage in Negril, before making way for the Electric Slide queen, fellow Jamaican Marcia Griffiths.

Dressed all in white, Griffiths performed I Shall Sing and The First Cut is The Deepest, before calling on those who could do the electric slide to join her on stage.

As the stage shook from the weight of the dancing crowd, less than three minutes later, Griffiths had to do her best to get her fans back off the stage as the weight limit prescribed by the Fire Services might have been exceeded.

Griffiths’ performance, however, left the audience with added energy.

Next came Busy Signal, who began cranking out hit after hit to the delight of the crowd, as he added to the momentum and mounting excitement.

He came on stage dressed in white chino pants and jacket amidst clouds of smoke and pyrotechnics, and had the crowd screaming and singing along to all his smash hits.

Busy was determined to leave a lasting impression as he delivered hits like Swag Tun Up, Bedroom Bully, One More Night and Tic Toc. As he tried to leave the stage, fans demanded an encore as they just couldn’t get enough.

The concert ended shortly after midnight, leaving fans completely satisfied.

Speaking with Newsday after the show, a proud Tobago House of Assembly (THA) Secretary of Tourism, Culture and Transportation Nadine Stewart-Phillips said Jazz in the East continued the momentum established on Thursday with the return of Jazz on the Waterfront.

“The performances were of a high quality and well appreciated. Jazz and music lovers expressed satisfaction from the event and the choice and selection of artistes all played a great part in ensuring that persons had a great experience,” she enthused.

“I must say that Jazz in the East continues to live up to its reputation of being one of the best attended events on the Tobago events calendar.”

Stewart-Phillips said she was also looking forward to yesterday evening’s Tobago Jazz Experience – International Night.

“I expect that the high level of excitement and participation that we have experienced over the past few days will continue. The weather is lovely, the venue is iconic, and the cast is exceptional. All the elements are there for another spectacular Tobago Jazz Experience.”

Local performers for last night's concert included local singer Vaughnette Bigford, the Tobago All Stars band and pannist Alston Cannon Jack, who has appeared on Sesame Street and the Cosby Show. International acts included Rodriquez "Jacquees" Broadnax, crooner Michael Bolton and seven-time Grammy-winning singer Toni Braxton.