Evolution Street Blocker island tour were welcomed by massive audiences in both venues that the tour visited last weekend. Crowds flocked both the Lucea Car Park and Falmouth’s historic Water Square. Stage presence, delivery and charisma were key words that all 10 artistes could relate to, as they delivered both their warm-up and entry songs. Singer Ray Darwin, delivered his first performance for the competition in Hanover and was greeted with a loud uproar from the audience when he performed his warm-up song People’s Choice. In Falmouth, Chicago (third place in 2006) was greeted by a female member of the audience who screamed, “Come tek it mi bwoy!”, when he performed dancehall artiste Movado’s Gully Side and Akon’s Don’t Matter before performing Been There, his entry this year.

Another impressive performance came from Gunty (a Bounty Killer sound alike), who received a big ‘forward’ at both venues with his rendition of what he calls Three Di Hard Way, an imaginary ‘collaboration’ with reggae artistes Chakademus, Zebra and himself. Gunty, real name Neville Winter, delivered a convincing impression of the two artistes before continuing with his entry Woman A Di Beauty. An energetic Torch, also received ‘love’ when he performed an original song entitled Love and encouraged the persons present with Learn To Survive - his entry. All-male trio Xale again lived up to high expectations on both nights as they performed their original song, Taxi Man, in praise of Jamaican taxi operators.

Also performing well over the weekend was rastafarian Kavajah, an artiste produced by the Gumption Band, and Majah Bless with his commanding entry “Hey Jamaica”. David Slew, Akewa and Antonio West were warmly accepted especially by the female members of the audiences as they delivered Jamaican Woman, Be My Lover and Needing You More, their original entries respectively.

Source
Jamaica Cultural Development Commission
Jamaica Popular Song Contest 2006 Finalists

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