The Frank Collymore Hall was cold, and some patrons draped themselves in scarves, while others bundled up in hoodies to try to warm up.
But not even the frigid temperatures could prepare them for the heat the acts brought to the Honey Jazz Barbados Gala last Saturday night.
By 8.p.m., hundreds had gathered to witness 12 vocalists sing sweetly, and many of them, including the night’s hot topic Kenyah Joseph, created their own chills.
It was around 8:25 when the 17-year-old appeared on stage in a long pink dress, towering over the stage as she sang the Dreamgirls classic And I Am Telling You.
In spite of her adolescence, she took on the challenging show-tune head-on. Seconds before the “money note’ she took a deep breath, a sign of the energy the song required, but she showed off her vocal prowess and the audience repaid her by standing to their feet and cheering loudly.
From the moment Gigi stepped onstage to open the show, it was clear to see that she had plenty of love to share.
In the first half, the fashionista began on a good note: My Funny Valentine, but it was during the second set that she created another jaw-dropping moment.
After a wardrobe change, where she reappeared in a pair of stunning silver knee-high boots, she sang Is You Or You Ain’t, Agua De Beber and Settle Down.
After asking the technical crew to turn on the house lights, she ascended the steps and sat on a lucky man’s lap. In a seductive tone, she continued to perform brilliantly. It was straight out of a movie.
Leigh Phillips was also a star of the night, as she appeared on numerous occasions, each time with a dazzling outfit. She took on classics Cheek To Cheek, Mas Que Neda, and Hey Big Spender, accompanied by Riddim Tribe dancers.
Blues and jazz singer Shakura S’Aida’s also gave an unforgettable performance. She began her set with God Bless The Child, and then asked the audience to stand and sing along to Let the Good Times Roll. The infectious hook reverberated across the room. (TG)
