House of Leeds recording artiste, Iyahblazze, kept the audience rocking during the drizzling rain. - noel thompson

western bureau

It was a party in the rain for fun lovers in St. Elizabeth last Friday as the Gleaner's Western Focus celebrated its fourth anniversary in fine style at the Santa Plaza in Santa Cruz with lots of give-aways and a dazzling entertainment segment.

While it was the House of Leeds recording artiste, the lyrical Iyahblazze, who stole the spotlight, other performers such as the classy Montego Bay-based Federation Dancers, the musically gifted Black River High School student Syrena Thompson, deejay Danger Blaze, guitarist Gary Cooper and nine-year-old poet, Jessel Jameson also did extremely well.

Ignoring light showers

Asked to close the entertainment segment, the burly Iyahblazze simply ignored the light showers and as onlookers huddled under umbrellas, he quickly got them rocking as he dug generously into his growing collection of hits.

It was all joy for the fans as he unleashed songs such as, Say A Prayer, Jah Look Into My Eyes, How Many and the thought-provoking, No Heart Fe De Poor .

Prior to Iyayblazze's stinging set, the Federation Dancers were all the rage, giving the audience a complete lesson in the latest dance moves. The screams echoed around the Santa Plaza as the trio of dancers all but brought the house down with the popular 'Sweep' and 'Gully Creepa' dances .

Fever pitch

The performance of the Federation Dancers reached fever pitch when they invited Peaches Taylor, a petite-looking member of the audience to join them. The young woman, who was initially reluctant, turned out to be their match as together they did the 'Sky Daggering', which entailed breathtaking somersaults.

In a segment, which featured performances by JCDC parish finalists from the Glen Stuart Primary and St. Elizabeth Technical High School, along with other individuals, the nine-year-old Jessel Jameson, of Goshen All Age, was most impressive as she reeled off the poem, Me Waa Go A Foreign, which was also well received.

Danger Blaze, who won the Western Focus Jingles Contest, also gave an enjoyable performance and so did Cooper, who did sterling guitar work as he sang, May The Good Lord Bless You.

Syrene Thompson, who gave a well delivered rendition of Etana's, I Am Not Afraid, sounded like someone with Digicel Rising Stars potential and found favour with the audience.

Impromptu segment

Prior to star time, there was an impromptu segment, where deejays and singers from the Santa Cruz area were allowed to free-style on a rhythmn of their choice. They used the opportunity to advertise themselves as their segment was one which was aired live on Links FM radio, which covered the event.

Following major give-aways and prizes, which included a refrigerator, already won by lucky STAR and Western Focus readers, the much anticipated showtime arrived.

Young House of Leeds rapper Tory opened that segment and skilfully rolled through a three-song set. He soon made way for Iyahblazze, who kept the audience rooted in the rain, listening to his music.

"Despite the rain, this was a very good anniversary party," said Western Focus coordinator Nagra Plunkett. "It was fun for all of us and I am happy that the audience and performers had a good time."