Everton Blender and Barrington Levy rock ‘Legends In Concert’
By: Onika Nkrumah
A moderate crowd turned out to see Everton Blender and Barrington Levy share the bill at the exciting
“Legends In Concert” held on Tuesday, 31st July to celebrate Emancipation at the Hasely Crawford stadium
in Trinidad.
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Source
– Figtreebiz Entertainment |
Hosted by the Emancipation Support Committee, other headliners included David Rudder and Coco T. Guest artistes were Preston,
Prophet Benjamin and King David.
I arrived late at the venue just in time to hear King David and Preston cover version of ‘Holding
Back the Tears’ - I hated missing David Rudder’s performance but Babylon and their roadblock was in full effect
that night - their set experienced some technical difficulties but King David handled it like a professional and tried to
coax a response from the crowd.
It was after midnight when the lights dimmed, the band struck up and we knew that something was about
to happen. Against a vivid backdrop of red, gold and green fabric and accompanied
by a powerful band and three melodious backup singers - Everton Blender commanded the crowd with his soulful voice, during
his captivating 45 minute medley. Punctuated by outbursts of vigorous skanking
– he performed his big anthems like ‘Ghetto People Song’, ‘We Nuh Fraid’, ‘Blend Dem’,
‘Piece Of The Blender’, ‘Coming Harder’ and ‘Family Man’.
There was a long pause, filled by the deejay, between Blender and Barrington’s
performance causing the crowd to become a bit restless, wondering whether the latter was a no-show.
Luckily this was not the case and Barrington Levy later put on an energetic and thrilling one hour
set with some of his all-time greatest chart toppers like ‘Too Experienced’, ‘Living Dangerously’
and ‘Who God Bless’. He even showed his versatility by adding a little
hip hop flavor – rhyming over 50 Cent’ ‘Candy Shop’ - into the mix.
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Source –Barrington Levy website |
The audience’ worst fears were realized when the job fell to Barrington Levy - just before the
end of his set - to announce that fellow headliner, Coco T was held with a spliff, refused entry into the country and had
to return to Jamaica.
All in all, the event was rain-free and a blessing to all in attendance – a reminder that a show
featuring David Rudder, Everton Blender and Barrington Levy is a must-see!