Tashieka Mair, Gleaner Writer

Sister Scully - Noel Thompson/Freelance Photographer

WESTERN BUREAU:

The sun scorched, the rain fell and the muddy ground wreaked havoc on shoes and many outfits, but this was not enough to deter thousands of patrons from pouring into the Catherine Hall entertainment centre for the Tropicana Nyammins and Jammins Food Festival on Monday.

The huge crowd, reminiscent of Sumfest (also staged at the venue annually), endured the discomfort of sticky, muddy shoes to enjoy the likes of headliners Taurus Riley, Assassin, Sister Scully, Ernie Smith and the 2007 Digicel Rising Stars champions Romain Virgo and Jodian Pantry.

Though the event, which is hosted by the 4H Club of St. James, is dubbed a food festival, it was the entertainment and activities for the children that made it memorable.

The entertainment packaged kicked off with the crowning of the St. James Mr. and Mrs. 4H. Kirk-Patrick Barrett of Herbert Morrison High School and Nicolett Wilson of Montego Bay High School copped the titles.

With competitions out of the way, it was the gospel segment of the concert that brought Catherine Hall alive. Outstanding performances from Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) Junior Gospel Festival winner Nicolene Brown, the new Grace Thrillers, Marsha Blagrove and 2007 Gospel Festival winner Garfield Reid, elicited shouts of approval.

However, it was the veteran gospel singer Sister Scully whose invocation of the presence of the Holy Spirit which caught many 'souls on fire'. She had both Christians and heathens dancing and singing along to I saw the light, Some Sweet Day, Soul on Fire and Hurry Up.

It was the Fabulous (Fab) 5 band that started the ball rolling in the secular segment programme and had the crowd jumping, waving and sweating to some popular soca tracks like the Dollar Wine and even invited members of the audience to show their dancing skills.

Great hits

Ernie Smith later made his entrance to the stage with Pitter Patter, which found favour with mature patrons. With samples from his extensive repertoire, Duppy or a Gunman, Life is Just for Living, Tears on My Pillow and Ram Goat Liver, the nimble Smith was a delight.

However, it was the much-anticipated Digicel Rising Stars winner and runner-up Romaine Virgo and Jodian Pantry, respectively, flocked by adoring fans backstage, who sent the crowd into frenzy with deafening screams.

DJ Assassin, who received thunderous applause with his introductory line 'Versatile', kept his set tight and had girls going wild.

At 10:15, Taurus Riley entered the stage and with his hit She's Royal, elicited a thunderous roar.

At the end of the day, satisfied patrons made their way home, despite the rain.

Tarrus Riley - File