Bound and Gagged…. A thing of the past

The New Year began in an explosive way! Mind you I’m not talking about fireworks and star lights, but Let Loose 7 and 8. Who were once bound, chained and just plain fed up of defeat in 08, flocked to the Upper Room on Cipero Street in San Fernando and Peace and Love Club on Charlotte Street in Port of Spain over the New Years weekend (Editor's note: I put in the shameless advertising. Plus... Upper Room's got pool tables!). Many purposed to have fun, rock back, and take in what we listen to on the Perfect 10 night after night. For me however it was a time of reunion with brethren.

Upon reaching there (looking rather swanky I must say in fudge like color boots) I was greeted with warm smiles and teary eyes. Truly there was an overwhelming sense of emotion that night after not being around for so long. What struck me most though was the very atmosphere of fully charged worship; a keen sense of the Holy presence of God; persons under the subjection of the anointing; and the joyful praises of each shaking the heavens.

Undoubtedly, everyone shared mutual sentiments of Liv Strong’s ability to deliver the Word, and his great feat in conducting worship  which challenged us all to think and  be rebels. Many faces from the popular to anti-social, talented to "cyah sing to save their lives", all were inspired by the level of ministry on both nights.

Cameras flashed, hollers were made, the jumping of each one created earthquakes for those below. Water was scarce (unless you bought it), and temperatures rose to boiling as we all sweated in the physical from all the dancing, and it was raining wet wet wet in the spiritual. Artistes, DJ’s, broadcasters, promoters, and just regular folk made joyful noises to our favourite Soca, Reggae, Dancehall, and of course was Liv Strong playing, so there was LEVEL Hip Hop. Inside Out got things started each night by giving the devil what he called ‘pace’. Clearly his dance like David moves showed that he was in the realm of warfare and defeat was not in his vocabulary. In other words it was HOT. There were no names for the moves that were done.

LET LOOSE 7

Those who were liming outside ran in to see the number one local artiste of 2008 (in my humble opinion), Keiron Ramsey. Though I missed his performance I heard his heavenly pipes as he sung what we call ‘D Big Tunes’. Resounding on both levels of the building, were shouts and screams for the man of the hour as he sung ‘Drowning’, ‘Steps’ and other well known hits.

Everyone then surrounded Shiselon as he did his famous ‘I just bend meh knees and rock’ move. It wasn’t long before the hard core sounds made us bob our heads, get ‘em hands up and rock back! (Man if I only had meh cup I would have done the move.  I always forget it at home!).

J Square then took center stage and spoke to the pastors’ children, sang on meditation, weariness and who could forget his gorgeous Empress. He made ladies go into a trance as he serenaded his babe. Smart man…., he turned away before shutters could go off.

Keeping with the season and celebrating its reason, then came the Country Christmas men. Inside out and Omega shared great chemistry as both DJ and artiste caused revelry in the place. Other soldiers who shared Inside Out’s vision of warfare flooded the front to proclaim victory in their lives. {I’m singing the tune now…lol}. A testimony was shared of how the song ‘Victory’ came to pass and all gave thanks for what was done in Omega’s life.

Well it was here the real thing started ya’ll (yeah - it got better). Other featured DJs played and not too long into the session, Congo lines were being formed, aerobic classes were in full operation, dance offs happened until the man with no remorse for mashing up the enemy took over.

Jadee took us from Trinidad to Brooklyn! Rags waved, and fingers snapped as we all hollered ‘Hallelujah’ to Jesus.  We tek from one island to another as St. Lucian guest Emrand Henry TORE UP! It was real pace oui! Sweat ran down faces, stamina levels rose, hearts beat in one accord to the reverberating base from speakers as we sang ‘Revolution’, ‘Great Day’ and of course my favourite, ‘Consume Me’.

It was definitely worth the pocket change of twenty dollars. I left there with a new walk, an uplifted spirit, freed of shackles, and dreams were re-ignited. God removed the constraints and gave new life.

A tremendous job done by both DJs Inside out and Liv Strong, who took the meaning of Let Loose beyond the levels we might have expected, and towards ongoing warfare in the enemy’s camp!

Check the photo galleries for photos from Let Loose

Written by :

Esther James

 

Features - Events