A packed Fun in the Son
POURING into the already-packed Jamaica College grounds the entrance was crowded with people from all over. The journey from the main gate to the stage was an everlasting one as the concert was being held at the extreme back of the school.
Goddy Goddy was in the middle of performing Chaka Chi Chi when TEENage finally reached the stage area. He had the crowd jumping and waving and screaming at the top of their lungs. His energy was amazing and his performance equally so.
In contrast, DJ Nicholas’ performance was what we would call ‘average’. He started out good with Holy Ghost Gym, but his energy dwindled as his performance went on. The crowd wasn’t as receptive as they were with Goddy Goddy.
The whole mood of Fun in the Son changed when Carlene Davis came on stage. The crowd began reflecting and worshipping as she ministered in song. Her performance was artful and strong. It was different from the others, as it was complemented by dancers, like Chad ‘Global Bob’ Torrington. She delivered Causing Me To Triumph and I Shall Not Be Moved beautifully. Her back-up singers were on the tee in harmonising and her vocals were impeccable.
Andrew Palau, along with his family, was a passenger on the plane that crashed in Montego Bay that fateful night. He shared his testimony of the experience, recollecting the fear and shock of it all. His testimony was based on Psalm 139:15, as he pleaded to the people of Jamaica to accept God as He loves everyone. His cry was desperate. Tears were in his voice as he told them “tomorrow is promised to no one.” The crowd stood still, taking in his every word and sympathising with his situation.
Papa San never falls short of satisfying his crowd. With songs such as Holy Ghost Church and Pop Style, he definitely is in a class by himself in terms of Jamaican acts. The crowd was uncontrollable, hanging on to his every word as he ministered the gospel undiluted.
The highlight of the night and the reason for the now jammed- packed Jamaica College came on a little after nine. Kirk Franklin danced his way onstage as the crowd screamed his welcome. After commenting on the fact that he could not believe so many persons came out to celebrate God, he went into his performance.
From start to finish, he was powerful and energetic. He had the crowd dancing to Hosanna, singing to Imagine Me and holding hands to I like Me. The climax came when he actually sang Jesus Loves You. His voice was filled with passion as he asked the patrons to hug three random strangers and tell them ‘I love you and Jesus loves you’. The Spirit of the Lord could be felt as he sung. The crowd was crying and pleading to God, praising him and getting their deliverance. He continued in his ministry for little over an hour, jumping and bubbly with energy. After wishing everyone ‘Hakuna Matata’, he closed the show at 10:15 pm.
Larger than Genesis, the crowd gave support to all the performers. The performers in turn, made a tangible effort to please them. The venue though, had something left to be desired. It was too small and congested. The worst part too, was at the end of the show when everyone pushed to exit one gate, all at the same time. Despite the problems with the venue, the experience was marvellous, and the atmosphere great.