SWITCH: The Event Everyone's Still Talking About

Let’s be honest! We have our favorite Gospel Ministers and we love them for one main reason, and it’s the way that they allow themselves to be used by God, and to bring sheer talent forth by His Holy Spirit . From that the are able to produce excellent albums, music videos and of course conduct commendable performances. However, how would you feel about your favorite songs being sung by another? Well my friends, we have experienced that last night at ‘SWITCH’ The Concert.

The idea alone had me wondering how it was going to be executed by the artiste considering that each man and woman was comfortable in a particular genre for years, and as such, it has become somewhat their specialty. However, last night proved that our artistes are versatile! The event I must say started off disapprovingly late due setbacks beyond control; but that clearly didn’t obstruct the surprises that were in store. As always we began the night with the national anthem, which was sung by Tramaine Harris and prayed for an excellent event which was done by Pastor Lowe.

I understood that two young women, namely Chantelle Williams and Christine Isaac had been thrown into being Master of Cermonies, and I must commend them on a job superbly done! They kept interest of the audience and maintained momentum, while showing their humor and singing capabillity. I for one hope that they conisider doing it more often! Well done ladies!

First artist of the night was Jadee himself who did Russell Leonce’s ‘Troubles won’t last’. YUP! Jadee sang ladies and gentlemen. I must admit that he had everyone in awe. I held my breath not knowing what to expect but he had us all rocking and singing along. He proceeded to do many ole schools of his and ‘mash up’ when de ting now start! VPA Choir of Valencia sang two old school songs after Jadee and had the audience cheering them on. They brought the hype again after him and had us wanting more!

Tramaine Harris then came on again and sang songs by epic international and local Gospel artistes. With her melodious and angelic voice, she dared  to take on the challenge of sounding like Koen Duncan. Accompanied by an acoustic guitar, she managed to put her ‘twist’ and made the song her own. She captivated our hearts with her rendition of ‘Weakness’ and a Helen Baylor classic.

Koen Duncan followed and sang ‘Keep On Pressing’. Honestly with my head turned I thought that it was Jadee singing! Koen was another one that showed us that, ‘Hey I can do this!’. He did of course his latest songs and kept the energy.

Sean Daniel aka ‘D waving ting man’, took center stage and sang his well known songs. He did his version of Isaac Blackman ‘ Always Remember’ and many of his compositions. He was another crowd pleaser and the woship was sweet sweet sweet!

I stood backstage observing Vanessa Briggs as she consulted with Mention as to how he moved and interacted with the crowd, not knowing that he was the one that she would be trying to emmulate on stage. My God! Vanessa as well chanted and learned it in a few weeks! She accomplished what took years for some to develop. She like Sean was accompanied by live band and Mention was to me a wonderful accessory to the perfomance.

Tiko Angelos who has been missed by many who hardly get to see him, sang a Jadee song and many ole school to make up a melody. Forgetting some lyrics he still had help from die hard patrons. He sang a new song that as always had many listening on intently without the use of track. ( I love it when he does that . You forget the riddim and tune in what the man is preaching)

Ahhhh the band of the night then took stage.  The chords for ‘Represent’ of Nehilet Blackman and the all Girl’s Band began and the ladies as always made their presence ever known with their attractive attire and stature. It was after singing the song that Nehilet introduced members of the band and each had their solo segment. We all have by now heard about their excellent performance but let me get into it a little.

She explained the name SWITCH and it’s purpose and the challenges that they faced as a band which had to learn what other artiste do. Then she commanded that members within the band switch positions! Who were on traps and other instruments now sang, who were back up took and instrument and the ting start! OMG! Kryslte Bascombe (the band’s drummer) had her blackberry in hand and sang Koen Duncan’s ‘Shine High’ from it. The crowd by then was in a frenzy!!! Jadee was up in front and in awe. The band was tight tight tight! I was proud to be called ‘WOMAN’. They represented ya’ll!

As if that weren’t enough, they did something that not even the artitse Jadee had done himself! They did with band ‘Imma Holla Jesus’. Nehilet did the fist verse and had her ras loose JUST LIKE JADEE, had a jacket on JUST LIKE JADEE, wore a cap and danced JUST LIKE JADEE! My heart couldn’t sustain itself when Anessa came on the second verse and rapped like a man! She whipped her braids and killed it! Ricia Archer with her hair do and swag took over and dominated the third verse. It was an experience in itself! They stole the show!

Okay let me stop bragging about my girls and get into the event again. In between the artistes there were activities that included a dance off and a freestyle battles. (Which my little sister took a part of and represented well for the ladies I must say)

Then the man o the hour came on with much excitement and power, and had the crowd jumping with every song of Mention and Bass. Mention took us back, forward and in between eras with chart toppers and local favorites. I must admit that it’s hard to stage manage, keep an open eye for writing for the site and be a patron to take a jump in between. None the less I enjoyed myself to the max and it’s an event that many talk about till this day. Gospel Globe waits in anticipation for the next one.

Who say Christians cyah have fun? Tell them Mention and Essy say they lied!

Written by :

Esther James

 

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