By Kishawn Thomas

Despite occasional clouds and rain, the 14th annual St. Kitts Music Festival featured hyped performances for three nights as world class and renowned acts gave fans and those in attendance mind provoking and gyrating performances.

Night one of the festival kicked of with the 37-year-old band ‘Third World’. The band with an aim to warm up the audience for the remaining artistes gave a splendid performance of hits from way back.

During the festival’s press conference the group spoke of its many achievements and their continued contribution to the music industry.

The band is expected to release a new album soon dubbed ‘The Patriots’.

Following the band’s performance the event went up tempo with the double performance between Bunji Garlin and his wife Faye Ann Lyons with steaming soca power to get the audience chanting, waving and building up a sweat.

Representing his wife at the press conference Garlin said that they were both pleased to be part of the festival this year and it’s indeed a privilege to represent Trinidad and Tobago in a big way.

It was left to the only local Kittian band performing on the night to represent the Federation and exhibit musical performance in a Kittian way and in this regard The Grand Masters Band did just that with its varying road march hits.

The hyped in the upbeat tempo was toned down with calypso hits from former calypso monarch King Starshield and King Ellie Matt.

King Ellie Matt sang his unifying signature tune, “St. Kitts I Love You,” without musical accompaniment and got the whole crowd to sing along with him.

‘The Prophet’ or ‘The Fire Man’ Capleton brought the curtains down on night one with his performance that lasted for over an hour.

There was no exception for night two for the high level performances continued.

Fethi Tabet commanded attention by playing the seldom heard traditional Arabic luth in powerful compositions from North Africa, the Mediterranean and South America. 

Raising the bar was son of the legendary reggae star Bob Marley, Ky-Mani Marley.

Ky-Mani performed hits from his father and also himself putting fans in a true reggae and inspirational mood.

Two rising local artists followed, with Jah Fire captivating the crowd with his smooth reggae sounds and hip-hop artist S.M.I. treating everyone to many of his recent hits.  By the time rapper and veteran hit-maker Fabolous took the stage, the ever-growing crowd was ready to party and showed their appreciation for hit songs, “Everyday” and “Throw It In The Bag.”

Tarrus Riley ended night two with a superb performance as he not only interacted with his fans but also his musicians.

Drenched with sweat, he sang some of his latest hits and at the same time paid tribute to the late Michael Jackson as Thursday, June 24th marked one year since the death of the pop star.

Although some patrons believed that the crowd turn out could have been better, it didn’t stop them from enjoying what the artistes had in store.

“The night was good, I had fun, dancing and singing to my favourite tunes. I never knew that some of these artistes had such lovely hits”, said one patron.

Despite light showers, Festival goers’ enthusiasm was not dampened and they stayed on until his last notes before literally leaving Warner Park stadium singing.

The third and final night of the St. Kitts Music Festival saw the energy and uplifting talents in St. Kitts.

First up on stage were the unit sounds of Creole Folk music from Stevy Mahy. Local dancehall gospel artist Pepper Ranks shared his charisma and powerful lyrics, then local artist C-Money got the crowd moving even more with his song, “St. Kitts Sweet.”  Reprising “St. Kitts I Love You” in her own reggae style, 18-year-old local star Rolensha followed with her new hit, “Just a Little Lovin’.” Then came the act that many were so eagerly awaiting – young local star Infamus, performing for the first time to such a large and international crowd.  Cheered on ardently by fans, Infamus raised the bar for all performers when singing his hit “Feel Like Crying” and slipping easily into a reggae version of the tune, then catching another rhythm and breaking into a soca rendition of his song, “Crying.” Ten time Grammy award winner singer and songwriter Babyface offered up a combination of his hits he wrote and those he recorded including “Gone Too Soon,” “Every Time I Close My Eyes” and, from his Boyz II Men days, “End of the Road,” as showers dampened the ground but not spirits. But Jamaican dancehall icon Sizzla would not let the rain cool him down, living up to his name with a commanding performance that totally engaged fans, singing along to his drum beats to bring the Festival to a “sizzling” grand finale.

Despite the many challenges that faced the St. Kitts Music Festival this year – including that of the economic downturn - the achievements of the festival must be commended; however organizers in a matter of months will be heading back to the drawing board to plan ahead for the 15th annual festival.

“The St. Kitts Music Festival has truly grown and matured over the years into a distinctive rich combination of talent that crosses boundaries of age, musical styles and location”, said Senator Ricky Skerritt, Minister of Tourism.

“Having rising local artists perform so brilliantly alongside international superstars was incredible, and the mix of music that this event showcases exemplifies the power of music to unite people while also reflecting the diverse culture and heritage of our region”.

A new addition to this year’s festival was a Carnival stage which featured folkloric performances by Moko Jumbies, the Okolo Tegramantine drummers, masqueraders, African dancers

Throughout all three consecutive nights of performance, the friendly, block-party atmosphere at the St. Kitts Music Festival prevailed.  With vendors spread around the venues perimeter and the addition of a new Carnival stage featuring folkloric and performances by the Moko Jumbies.