(Kingston, Jamaica – March 24, 2012) – Bacchanal Fridays’ penultimate fete and final band night exploded on Friday March 23 with an internationally-flavoured performance from Tobago’s own soca success story Shurwayne Winchester backed by his band, Yes One Unit (YOU). The bumper crowd inside the new Mas Camp was a testament to the love Jamaicans have for Winchester coupled with the excitement of the other happenings and performances which took place throughout the night.

The Digicel-sponsored night themed ‘Galactic Eclipse’ began with the trademark musical juggling by Renaissance Disco’s DJ Smoke MC duties by Digicel Brand Ambassador DJ Bambino. The two worked seamlessly together to deliver the best soca hits while Bambino constantly engaged the crowd with mobile credit giveaways. Bacchanal Jamaica’s headline sponsor extended themselves with all-night giveaways and treats including their Double Bubble and $8.99 one rate option promotions. The mobile giant hosted an ‘$8.99’ photo booth where patrons could have their photos taken with a Digicel promo girl and have the picture instantly printed and given to them for free. Digicel’s promo girls were also an interesting, futuristic sight, dressed in all-black and all-white bodysuits with lights piping the front of the suits in eye-catching designs. The Digicel lounge also featured a male dancer from the Shady Squad Dance Group doing a robotic routine, in line with the moniker of their ‘Future Shock’ costume, Robotika.

The exhilaration of the night began at midnight when members of the Dance Expressions Group lit up the stage with a captivating routine to Tifa’s “Dash Out” and “Precision Wine” by KES the Band. The ladies were followed by dancehall artiste Mr. Vegas who entertained the crowd from start to finish with a short, sweet set that crossed his entire catalogue of hits from “Dance With You” with Machel Montano to “Hot Wuk” to “Man a Galiss”. But it was his current hit, the soca-infused “Bruk It Dung”, which socaphiles begged for and when it came, they were not disappointed. Mr. Vegas and DJ Bambino hosted a ‘bruk it dung’ dance competition where four brave female patrons competed on stage to win gifts courtesy of Digicel. This proved to be quite entertaining and hilarious with all four ladies receiving gifts from mobile phones to MiFi devices.

When Shurwayne Winchester graced the stage with his trio of dancers, the new Mas Camp was bursting at the seams. Winchester represented the host country with a stylish black, green and yellow ensemble and started his performance with “Wining Addiction”. Winchester correctly gauged the crowd and delivered party, hip-hop and rap staples including “Cheers to the Weekend” by Rihanna, even going as far back as Slick Rick’s “Children’s Story”. The sexy performer then eased into a slow version of his infectious hit “Don’t Stop” which had revelers slow grinding as he teased the crowd. He then transitioned into “Wine On It” and touched on Mavado’s “Settle Down”, both on the local Overproof Riddim.

The tenor singer’s performance went through the proverbial roof when he threw bottles of water into the crowd and created a wet fete scene with water flying everywhere. He then segued into his 2005 award-winning song “Dead or Alive”, instructing the crowd to make a congo line that moved all throughout the general admission area. It was on this high note that Winchester ended his set, shortly before 2:00 a.m.

Following this crowd-pleasing performance, Mr. “Dead or Alive” shared his thoughts on the view that some industry members hold that soca music has lost its roots and true feel because of the infusion with other genres. “Which musical genre has remained 100% pure? Music must change or else it will be extinct. Change is a part of life. As artistes are exposed and times change then we must seek to embrace the changes because that is what comes naturally,” he said. Winchester also said that during his week-long stay in the island, he will be working on collaborations with various artistes as he continues to build the achievements of himself and his YOU band.

Bacchanal Fridays will come to an end on March 30 with a disco night themed ‘New Moons Rising’ featuring the sounds of DJ Billy and Coppershot’s DJ Sanjay.

Photo:-
From left to right - Toni-Ann Fraser, Renee Hartley, Shurwayne Winchester and Charmaine Franklin