By Jaedee Caines
The Observer
Wyclef Jean (with Ivy Queen), Angie Stone, Luciano, Beres Hammond, Marcia Griffith, Pepper Ranks, Masud Sadiki, Morgan Heritage and Crucial Banki are the mega-star artists that will perform Sunday in Nevis.
The show, which will commence at 4pm and run throughout the night will be held on the Mount Nevis Hotel Grounds, adjacent the historic Cottle Church. Tickets for this grand event can be bought in Nevis at the Nevis Tourism Authority, Carib World Travel and TDC Business Equipment and in St. Kitts at Walls Bookstore and TDC Business Equipment. The federation’s ferry boats will make special runs for the show.
The performance is part of marketing campaign that MTV is using to launch its new Caribbean music channel, TEMPO.
Nevis tourism officials expect the launch of TEMPO to bring hundreds of persons from across the Caribbean to Nevis.
“We are bringing a Caribbean exposure to the Caribbean islands and we have already been to Trinidad, Jamaica, Barbados and other Caribbean islands” says Production Manager of MTV TEMPO, Joye Cross.
When asked why Nevis was chosen to host the grand concert, Cross told The Observer that Frederick Morton saw it as a way of giving back to his homeland, Nevis. Morton is the senior vice-president and deputy general counsel for business and legal affairs at MTV. His family resides at Simmond’s Estate, Gingerland.
In an interview with the Observer on Tuesday, Morton spoke of Nevis’ importance to him. “I have an emotional bond with the island of Nevis as my family resides there. Also, what some people may or may not know is that Nevis is an island with incredible history,” said Morton. He made mention of Alexander Hamilton and Cicely Tyson who have ties on the island and said Nevis has a richness in culture and people that underscores what MTV TEMPO is all about. “We’ve been to several other Caribbean islands to promote TEMPO and since Nevis is the Queen of the Caribbean then what better place to culminate the launch than in the Queen island” said Morton as he addressed why Nevis was chosen to host the big launch.
The channel, like all other MTV channels will be based in New York and is geared towards providing a platform that exposes Caribbean talents in a more systematic way. “The Caribbean is full of talent and once in a while we see a breakthrough of a few of our artists when in fact there are hundreds behind like Rhianna, Sean Paul, Kevin Little and Beenie Man.”
Morton said, “I came up with the name TEMPO at 3:00 one morning. Caribbean people are a rhythmic people whatever we do we have TEMPO, where you find Caribbean people you’ll find TEMPO. There couldn’t be a better name for it – TEMPO.”
He said the feedback from the shows in the other islands has been great and that he expects the same if not even more from the Nevis show. When asked why ticket sales and promotions for the event commenced a little late Morton said that with a show of this magnitude he’s confident that it will receive the necessary exposure. “After-all, it’s a vibe that we Caribbean people share, we get the word around ourselves, it’s all apart of our TEMPO” said Morton.
TEMPO’s launch is the collaborative effort of MTV and the Nevis Tourism Authority and is sponsored by American Airlines, Bmobile and the Nevis Tourism Authority.
TEMPO is expected to air on Nov. 21.
Residents of the Federation will remember that musical genius Wyclef rocked the Fort Thomas Hotel grounds earlier this year at the ninth annual St. Kitts Music Festival.
Nevis tourism officials expect Wyclef to put on an even bigger performance in Nevis at the star-studded concert on Sunday.
Jean, a proud Haitian, is one of the biggest artists in the Hip-Hop industry. He has acquired respect and fame from all across the globe with songs like ‘My Love’ featuring Whitney Houston, ‘Gone ‘Til November’, ‘911’, ‘Killing Me Softly’ with the Fugees and ‘L.O.V.E. Y.O.U’.
Jean’s performance at this year’s Music Festival was described as one of the best performances to hit the federation.
Sunday’s line-up is schedule to feature a total of 12 acts with mostly regional performers.
Hammond, who was featured on a concert in Nevis in 2001, has one of the most identifiable voices in the music industry. He has done quite a bit in his 30-year career, from being a writer to being a producer.
Music lovers describe him as a legend as songs like ‘What One Dance Can Do’, ‘Tempted To Touch’, ‘Who Say’ featuring Buju Banton, ‘Putting Up A Resistance’ and ‘Come Back Home’ can never be forgotten.
Born in Davey Town, Jamaica, Jepther McClymont known in the music industry as Luciano has captured the souls and hearts of many. Fans everywhere enjoy the conscious vibe he spreads through songs like ‘It’s Me Again Jah,’ ‘Equal Rights’ and ‘Come Down Father.’
Also of Jamaica, Marcia Griffiths is known for her captivating live performances. She is Jamaica’s longest running female vocalist and formed the I-Threes to back up Bob Marley’s International tours and recordings from 1974 to 1980. Some of her songs include, ‘No No No’, ‘I Shall Sing’ and ‘Stepping Out Of Babylon’.
The internationally known Angie Stone presents a soulful, old-school vibe which is loved by many. Stone fits three hats as she is not only a singer but a songwriter and a self-taught keyboardist. ‘Brotha’, ‘No More Rain’, ‘Could Been You’ and ‘Easier Said Than Done’ are songs by the renowned artist Angie Stone.
The talented members of the Morgan family make up the group/band Morgan Heritage. Their R&B influenced vocals and Rastafarian lyrics make them a group to be reckoned with. The group is known for major hits like ‘Down By The River’, ‘Wonderful World’ and ‘Protect Us Jah’.
With his unique style, Pepper Ranks is expected to put on an incredible performance as he did at the St. Kitts Music Festival. He gives a new meaning and sound to gospel music.
Reggae Artists, Masud Sadiki and Crucial Banki will represent St. Kitts at the launch. They have done wonders of putting the federation and particularly the island of St. Kitts on the music map with their conscious lyrics and catchy melodies.
