By Shannon Shields
The Icon Concert which took on Saturday, July the 28th in the St. William Grant Park in South Parade was an inspiring addition to Jamaica's 50th Year of Independence celebrations. The Free Concert which was sponsored by Lime and CB Chicken and organized by the Kingston and St. Andrew Corporation in association with the Jamaica Vendors and Higglers' Association was the final event of the Downtown Sizzling Summer Savings event which consisted of three days of shopping and entertainment held in Downtown Kingston.
Under the clear blue evening sky and in the sparkling clean park which smelled sweetly of the park's flowers the crowd full of people from all walks of life were entertained by some of Jamaica's greatest music Icons. Ken Booth, Minister Carlene Davis and Elephant man were a few of the Icons that performed and entertained the people for free.
The event was MC-ed by the singer Stacious who showed that she was not just a singer but that she could hold her own as the MC. Her co-MC for the night was Dj Bambino. The night also showcased Tanto Blacks, Demarco, Tidal, Nazzle Man, Omari and Prodigal Son.
The evening also featured a tribute to the man who is leading by far the Guinness Greatest Dancehall Icons of All Times contest, Mr. Rodney Price, otherwise known as Bounty Killer.
Spice, who gave the best tribute of the night to Mr. Price, said she felt too feminine in her colorful top, black tights and long hair proceeded to remove her blonde wig revealing her black hair braided back in Bounty Killer fashion and then she took off her pretty blouse to reveal a black top and then when she was in all black like Bounty Killer's signature style she showed that she could be as cross, angry and miserable as the wicked Bounty Killer as she DJ-ed just as hard as Killer doing one of his greatest hits of all time, "Look Into My Eyes". She finished her tribute to Bounty Killer with "Ready for Them" as she had the crowd eating out of her hand.
Elephant Man gave a stellar performance as usual and went beyond the call of duty when he called the fluffiest girl in the crowd to join him on stage. He then told the young miss to run and jump on him which she did but unfortunately for her and Eli they both hit the ground as Eli just couldn't manage all that woman in the night time. Maybe we will have to all chip in and send Eli some peanut punch. Okay, guys?
Ninja Man, another of the night's Icons, also had the crowd pretty much where he wanted them as he stepped on the stage in all white looking well and very much rested after having just been recently released after three years of incarceration and still facing the possibility of more jail time. Ninja Man gave one of his first performances in years but he showed that he clearly hasn't forgotten how to rock the crowd as he DJ-ed hit after hit and his famous "Border Clash" tune for the people. He then called General B on stage and they performed a collaboration about Ninja Man's jail time. Predator then joined them on stage and received a big forward for two of his more popular older hits. Ninja Man left the stage saying that he had two more shows to do that night and was gone.
The Man of the Icon night in more ways then one then stepped on the stage in his all black looking mighty Killer-like with his hair braided and twisted back. As soon as the crowd spotted Bounty Killer they greeted him with screams and yelling. The General started with his older hits but proved that they were anything but old as young and old sang along with him. His popular song "Book" was a hit with the schoolers who had the DJ on his best behavior as he stated that he would have to tone down his show a little in consideration of all the minors in the crowd. The Warlord then stated that Dancehall was doing well these days but he hasn't heard the struggle in the music for a long time now. Killer then asked, "who is deejaying for them, the ghetto people?' And he proceeded to show them that he was still their advocate as he DJ-ed his latest song about poor people's struggles. Then it was the ladies' time as Killer showed that he can lyrics the females just as easily as he can DJ "Bad Man Tunes" as he performed "Good to Go" and "Wine for the General". The always outspoken entertainer then stated that he made "Wine for the General" so that every man could find a lady and have her "wine" for him. Bounty Killer said he was tired of not seeing anymore couples on the dance floor and that when the men hear "Wine for the General" it was time to find a female dance partner. The Dj did his mega hit "Nuh Fren Fish" and left the stage as the people clapped for the night's Honored Icon.
All and all the night was a wonderful experience that brought out the crowds and the beautiful people. The former MP James Robertson was in attendance as well as the Mayor Angella Brown-Burke. Ian Telfer, Sharon Burke and Q-45 were also in attendance.The Lime girls added some extra spice to the night which went on without a hitch and the place was so inviting that the crowd seemed reluctant to go home... but all good things have to come to end and the crowd slowly left the venue. It was really a wonderful free concert that was well appreciated and I'm sure will be well remembered.
