BEST
of both WORLDS
Date: Saturday 7th April 2007
Location: The National Stadium. Trinidad
Promotions: Undisclosed
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The BEST of both WORLDS,
a concert running neck and neck alongside various other events carded
for the long Easter Weekend. With plenty money being spent judging from
the high level of advertising being done, there was a definite buzz and
hype stirring up concerning this reggae show.
With the date of the
event drawing closer, TJJ even rolled up to the airport in order to catch
up with some of the foreign artists as they touched down in Trinidad.
There wasnt anything much to capture however, but one thing we knew
for certain was that Jamaican artists such as Richie Spice and
Elephant Man had arrived.
Folks were not expecting
to see Sizzla, as there was a lot of unofficial word about him not coming.
Other than that things seemed normal and the rest of the cast was scheduled
to perform. On the day of the show itself, local radio stations hosted
some of the Jamaican artists and conducted interviews. All seemed well
and everyone was in anticipation for tonights show.
That evening while
at another engagement, TJJ was keeping current with what was going on
at the venue. We heard that there were lots of people at the National
Stadium, but up until 1 AM no foreign artist had appeared on stage to
perform. Strange, but good for us, as we were not missing out on too much
:-) Arriving at 1:30 AM, it didnt hold well that when we asked to
speak to the promoter, we were told that they had not arrived as yet....
yikes!
Money was well spent
on the venue's setting and ambiance. There was a large erected covered
stage, laptop DJ, well laid out VIP and General admission sections and
a tented backstage area with all the trimmings such as flowers, champaign,
flat screen TVs and large sofas.
The DJs kept the crowd
in an expectant mood, and with no word of what was to come, patrons were
merrily drinking their fill and partying the night away. By 2 AM we had
gotten the L that there had been a problem and no entertainers
were going to perform and indeed Elephant Man had arrived at the
venue and subsequently left.
We interviewed several
members of the audience, asking them How would you feel if no foreign
entertainers performed? The general response in the VIP was mainly
along the lines of We really doh care, we are just here to party
and support the promoters. Funny enough some folks didnt even
know who was suppose to perform at the concert. We are not sure if the
patrons we interviewed took us seriously, but when the DJ left and the
lights on stage were turned off at 3 PM, our prophecy began to fulfill
itself.
With no announcement
or apology given to the thousands of patrons present, things were beginning
to get a bit sticky. Alcohol dun set in some already and plenty money
was spent on advance tickets. People came out to see a show! Well voices
of disgusts were rising and the scene was becoming quite uncomfortable.
Later on in the night, riot police had to be called in to quell the masses
with tear gas and rubber bullets.
This concert was billed
as the best of Reggae and Dancehall with no foreign acts representing
either Dancehall or Reggae. Big up to the local reggae acts who performed
however. Plenty people money jump up that night with VIP tickets going
for like $300TT. It is very unlikely that any patrons will get any sort
of redress giving the perception that fraud is Trini culture??!! That
aint right!! For future reference, dont purchase tickets for
an upcoming event/promotion without getting the facts about the promoter
and the success of past productions they put on. Jus a lil piece of advice.
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