By Orita Bailey

The 13th Annual Brimstone Hill Emancipation Concert, traditionally held on the second Sunday in August in commemoration of the abolition of slavery in the British Empire presented a plethora of local artists for the large audience which attended last Sunday 8th August.

Audience at Emancipation Concert Brimstone Hill

From the procession of the Okolo Drummers and the chanting of “By the Rivers of Babylon” to the closing remarks, the audience were kept truly entertained, often time joining in with some of the singing.

Sir Probyn Inniss President of the Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park Society gave the welcome address and introduced the Master of ceremonies for the evening Miss Jihan Williams.

Memorable was the demonstration of true determination and strength displayed by Joseph Bergen, performing as Navigator. Mr Bergen was a serving Defense Force officer who was shot in the course of duty and has had a long struggle to recovery. As he slowly walked to the front of the stage assisted by his sister, his determination was evident. His choice for his rendition was also very appropriate – “Coming Up On The Rough Side” and his appeal to the youths to seek the right direction for their lives was supported by the crowd.

Navigator - Joseph Bergan

Most of the music spoke to the theme of Emancipation, freedom and the struggles to overcome the challenges faced in this era. With Royaltiez Bank providing the accompaniment for most performers, Charles Emmanuel, Jade Orchid, Emotional, Natural Mystic, Cindy, Z-Dan , Lord Kut, Jazzy-D, Sankofa, Singing Jackie, King Socrates, Alamoulou, and Sahkenatz all gave excellent performances which were well received by the large audience.

The poets were also impressive this year; “My Country, My Home” by LOV ( Lover of Virtue) written specifically for the event, held the attention as in a clearly Nigerian accent he told of his capture and transportation on a slave ship; his sorrow and distress at the plight of his ‘sisters’ – frightened, sick and shivering and his inability to aid them. His landing on this island and forced labour hauling rocks to the ‘hill’; being beaten for not understanding English and for speaking Yoruba – of the war between the English and the French and of the opportunity that presented to ‘take up the firing stick’ and fight on behalf of the English and of his eventual freedom. He then came right up to present day speaking in a Kittitian accent telling of his love for his country and the challenges that we still have to overcome.

Several other poets including Wricherly Gumbs, Serena Clarke,Christine Clarke Ras Eli X, Damien Lawrence and Z-Dan gave sterling performances and much for thought.

The dance art form was also well received; Shara-Lee Mourillon ‘s performance to Many Rains Ago displayed grace, fluidity and athleticism. Also on the dance bill was fourteen year old K-resha Browne who gave a moving performance to Song for the Children.

Shara-Lee Mourillon

Such were the performances that when the clouds opened and a heavy downpour ensued, few person left the arena. After a short interval the performances resumed, however, due to the very wet grass, Okolo Tegremantine Dancers did not take the stage. They decided to postpone what was to be a debut performance of a new work and have committed to performing it at Brimstone Hill at a programme to mark the 27th Anniversary of Independence.

Kudos goes to the management and staff of the Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park Society for another excellent event.

Jade Orchid

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