Take A Look Back!

Four years and still growing indeed! The Upper Room Entertainment Center celebrated its anniversary on Saturday 26th 2009.

‘Take A Look Back’ was the name given to the occasion as many friends, family and well wishers came to celebrate the refuge that has opened its doors for many Christians and top Gospel ministers we know today to have fun and express themselves.

From its very inception with Engel Jones, it has brought many to the truth of Jesus Christ, stirring up and unfolding talents of diverse youth. For well over three years, he and his wife have done an excellent job in developing it from a vision to something that many in the southland hold to their hearts dearly.

Ms Adana McMillan recently took the reigns of this chariot with pride. Under her management it has driven onwards to a very promising horizon. Since then there have been packed events weekly and she promises much more in store.

Ms McMillan worked tirelessly to transform the venue to the 60’s theme that everyone looked forward to, and it showed. There were retro fabrics draped about, CDs stuck on the walls for that disco feel and a color splash that lined the walls, chairs and stage.

Keeping in mind that we bouncing in ‘old school’, McMillan wore her loud colors and outstanding hair with pride!

That Afro looked good! Other ladies stepped up to the plate in their Afros, high humped and teased hair, loud colors and makeup, and large jewellery.  I couldn’t keep up!

The master of ceremonies was none other than the vibrant and comical Antus Keith. He shared his many sides with us that night. Some too funny to mention here.

Artistes graced the stage as well and were nostalgic, as they spoke if memories in the Upper Room and ministered to the crowd.

The audience was amazed as we heard from Kelvin Corbert on the steel pan, performing classics such as 'Glorious' and 'How Great Thou Art'. His music was infections as many swayed, cheered and hollered at his tremendous skill.

Next was Darryl Gervais aka DL and Mark Dingwell as they sang to the smooth beats of R&B and spoke directly to our hearts about righteous living. Some songs were sung from DL’s newest album REBORN.

Back on the mike was Antus Keith as the Jamacian emerged and he brought that dancehall flavour for his next artiste. James Saunders came on and got interactive with the crowd immediately, as they shouted in unison ‘Yo!’ and ‘No!’ He made it quite clear that we all need to be ready if God was gonna ‘buss ina de place’.

We got another great twist on things as poetry was included in the mix. Janessa McKell (aka Janberry) came with Mega Explosion BOOM. She shared how it was in the Upper Room long before and how it all began for her in poetry. With the much encouragement of friends, she broke out of her shell and now shares her skill without fear or shyness.

Men on fire took everyone by surprise as these four young men sang sweetly and in harmony to the sounds of a guitar; their ground breaking introductory track, ‘All I Want’.

I wanted to run to the front like a groupie, pull out my cell phone and wave it from side to side. Unfortunately I couldn't get through the crowd that was already in front of the stage - if I was rally going to do it anyway.

If that wasn’t enough to hype anyone up, DJ Chirstchild brought the ole school chune after chune [Gospel Globe editor's note. Can anyone teach Esther to spell tune? She insists on writing this word (lol). It’s tune ok people]. I saw Nehilet’s niece boogieing down to the music with her fro flying in the air.

When that was through, J Square sang the songs I’ve come to love, about issues in our society. I call him the ‘Social Commentator in Gospel’ because he keeps it 'so real'. He kept it serious with "Move-a-Ment", "Running from them", "Empress", "Doh touch Me There" and about the world coming to an end. Talk about SERIOUS!

Making a move-ah-ment now, Tiko brought it HARD! Gospel artistes lined the left side of the crowd and chanted word for word songs from his early days in music. It was evident that the words he uttered were meat and not milk as we all chewed on every bit given.

"One Minute", "Heart full of Praise", "Be Magnified", and "Messi Pon Dem" were all in the performance. Now, in my humble opinion, he’s proven that he's one of the greats in Trinidad and Tobago hands down. His 'little brother' Antus Keith took one of the beats and Lock The Scripture on ‘Em. It was hype in the place.

By now the room couldn't hold anymore, the temperature was rising and Koen Duncan aka "The War Veteran" came on. We danced to "Sprinkle", "Name of God", and my personal favourite, "SHINE HIGH"! By now I’m thinking this show was worth the trip to San Fernando.

My darling herself Nehilet Blackman took over with her All Girls Band as they spoke of upcoming album and sang for us new songs. Karma wowed us with ‘Sweet Refreshing’ and then the entire band performed their new single circulating Facebook called ‘New Beginning.’ By now we were all up on our feet taking lead from Nehilet, as we danced to her chorus.

Broadway Boys took over with ‘Be Strong’ and a Soca song ‘Give Him Praise’.

Adana clearly wanted this to be a memorable night with such a large cast!

Mime was not forgotten as Bryant Henry came on with ‘I’m Free’ by Kirk Franklin. His deep love and expression for the song shone forth in every move that he made, defying what the human body is limited to.

The great Gospel trio from GMP Family mashed up with Dancehall, Soca and R&B. I’m talking about Kerron Ramsey, Elisha and J Prince. Trust me when I say that God alone held up the floors for us, with all that jumping and stomping.

A very interesting Gamma Ghost (ask him about the name - you'll get an interesting explanation), recited his personal compositions. Have the whole amour of God in check is what was encouraged as many agreed with him. Antus dared to ask the origin of his name, we'll let you hear it directly from Gamma.

Ending off the night was Adana McMillan giving a toast and thanks to her Lord, friends and family that made Upper Room a continued success. Isaac Blackman and the Love Circle then mellowed it down with our much loved Jamoo songs.

It was truly a relaxing evening with great friends in Afros, and back in times gear. The GG team will be there next time around. We wish Uppper Room GOOD SUCCESS.

Written by :

Esther James

 

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