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TELEFOOD '99
28.11.1999, James Bond Beach, Oracabessa St. Mary
Telefood '99 ('The show the world is hungry for') was a smacking
musical feast, which was consumed on sunday night at the James
Bond Beach, Oracabessa, St. Mary, Jamaica. Although the concert
ended prematurely after a down pour close to 3 a.m., everyone
left feeling satisfied that they had definitely gotten value
for their entertainment dollar.
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Luciano with positive vibes backstage
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Jimmy Cliff who had not performed for over ten years on a
Jamaican stage, had the over 2000 patrons jumping, shouting,
and waving with an outstanding performance, easily the performance
of the night. He opened his part with You can get it (if
you really want), and in between vocals thrilled with
some impressive dancing that included splits, a unique one-fooded
hop across the breadth of the stage, high steeping kicks that
showed some African influences and some old-fashioned 'rub-and-scrub'
wining. Some other songs also drew tremendous cheers from
the audience such as Treat the youths right, Rub-a-dub
partner's partner (he did a rap stint there).
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After wipping the crowd into an emotional high, he crooned
It's a wild world. Then during The harder they come,
it began to drizzle, some ran for shelter, but most stood
their ground. As he sang the last note of I can see clearly
now the rain stopped. Like a sign, a white filament of
steam rose from his head, as he was washed with sweat played
the congo drum and sang By the rivers of Babylon.
There were great performances from Monty Alexander and Ernie
Ranglin, who did brilliant interpretations of Marley Classics,
from the Grace Thrillers, Morgan Heritage, and the talented
US gospel group Sounds Of Blackness, which was joined by Jimmy
Cliff for a rendition of Many rivers to cross. Luciano's
part was as usual, great. Prime minister P.J. Patterson presented
Gilberto Gil with a plaque for his contribution to the Telefood
effort.
The night was haunted by long band changes and frequent outbreaks
of rain which eventually ended the concert and prevented most
patrons' favourites such as Beenie Man, Maxi Priest and Shaggy
from playing. But all in all it was a great concert.
Audio: The
Telefood-Jingle
Link:
Food and Agriculture Organisation
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Tony Rebel (above) and Marcia Griffiths rockin'
the Telefood-stage
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