Emerging excellence coupled with settled success.
That was the takeaway after witnessing Mosaic X Celebrating the Legacy concert held at Harrison College’s school hall, Crumpton Street, The City on Saturday evening.
The annual concert series is to elevate past students who made outstanding contributions in the areas of the music industry. Upcoming entertainment prospects – students – also get an opportunity to display their artistry.
This year the focus of the tribute was on international recording artiste Rupert Rupee Clarke. He was presented with the tenth Mosaic plaque for his sterling contribution to Barbados’ musicscape – a body of work which resonated through the region and internationally.
Rupee praised his fellow Barbadians and music colleagues who celebrated his journey by singing his hits as a prelude to him accepting the Mosaic Award from principal of Harrison College Kaylene Kellman-Holder.
The seasoned entertainer, the brother of radio announcer and calypsonian Ronald “Ronnie” Clarke, also acknowledged the sacrifice his family made as he travelled the world as an entertainer. Video tributes also came from his children and friends.
Sold out
The response from the large sold out crowd to Rupee’s every song was impressive. Patrons almost jumped from their seats to the beat. They sang every lyric. There is no longer a need to keep his record “in the party”. One is tempted to suggest national recognition.
There was also breaking news by guest performer TC of Wrong Name (Who the hell is Kim?) fame. TC revealed that 25 years ago, when she was working on her album, Rupee contacted her manager with an offer of two songs for the project.
One of the songs was Who the hell is Kim?
“That song, what you’ll know as Who the hell is Kim? Rupert my brother, I want to say congratulations on your achievements. But I want to say thank you…because to this day. I cannot go on stage and don’t sing Who the hell is Kim,” she told Rupee as she encored with the infectious beat of the popular refrain.
Special mentions
The Mosaic concerts since ten years ago have become a calendar event built on the musical talents of Harrison College’s students, invited performing acts and the entire school management and have paid homage to many.
Special mention is in order to young musicians of Harrison College: the augmented orchestra, the school choir, pianist Christina Edwards, the Pop band and the spotlight act Abianna Fenty and her choir and the Mosaic X big band under the musical directorship of John Roett.
Along with other supporting
acts Natalie Burke and Alix Cage, two exceptional entertainers paid tribute to the late and past student Smokey Burke, while multitalented musician Simon Pipe, a former student sang two songs which spoke to his recovery journey from substance abuse.
Hats off to past student and producer David Weatherhead who ensured the after-school music programme continued with help from school and parents after funding was cut ten years ago.
This year it returned to the school for the special anniversary.
Hats off to the Mosaic concert series committee chaired by Ayo Burrowes. The show was under the patronage of former principal Juanita Wade. (JS)
