Anthony B Thanks Redemption Fans for Patience and Support
…“This trip was a lesson that only JAH is in control. The flight turn around in the air after four hours flying from London to Barbados. A 20-year-old had a heart attack. Then we had to fly back from London on the next plane to Barbados then take a flight from Barbados to Trinidad…”
Written By Cherisse Moe
Those who left the Redemption concert before Anthony B’s (Keith Blair) performance – certainly missed a musical treat. The Jamaican artiste mounted the stage at about 3: 20am due to flight issues. By that time, however, many patrons had already filed out of the Queen’s Park Savannah, thinking that he was a no-show.
But he gave the crowd just what they were waiting for, delivering a spirited and riveting performance which left fans waiting more, but content that they finally got to see the singer in the flesh. Anthony B, who was a late addition to the Reggae cast in an effort to bring “more consciousness” by organisers Tropix Entertainment, performed a string of hits from his extensive repertoire, including, ‘Wine and Roses’, ‘ Mr Heartless’, Raid the Barn’ and ‘Repentance Time’.
In a subsequent interview with Caribbean Insight, Anthony B said he was thankful for the reception he received from fans at the May 6 event despite his late arrival. “I truly apprecilove the fans’ patience and support and honour to the promoters and team for their efforts,” said the artiste, who ended his stint on stage just after 4 am. “The trip was an experience I never had before in my lifetime so I want to give thanks to the Most High JAH because this trip was a blessing and also a lesson that only JAH is in control. The flight turn around in the air after four hours flying from London to Barbados.
A 20-year-old had a heart attack. Then we had to fly back from London on the next plane to Barbados then take a flight from Barbados to Trinidad. The flight arrived in Barbados nine hours later than was planned, so this is just a lil insight into the journey. So I am deeply grateful to all the Trinidad and Tobago redemption fans. Concert 8 was amazing. #lovettinidadandtobago #jamaicantrinitothebone.”
One VIP patron told Caribbean Insight that the singer’s performance was worth the wait. He said, “I came four times before to see Anthony B in Trinidad and all of those times, he was never able to make it. As much as I Love Buju and Beres, Antony B is certainly one I really wanted to see. Growing up, he was one of the icons in reggae music during an era dominated by Sizzla and Capelton. And he was able to stand up with them and make a space for himself. I was ecstatic.”
Patrons Refunded
By now you’d know that Anthony B’s late performance wasn’t the only issue which plagued the show. Some patrons were turned away after being told that the event was already sold out. Tropix Entertainment Public Relations Rep, Aba Luke told us on Monday that, “I have received a few calls and people were told to go to their outlets where they purchased the tickets initially to get a full refund.”
And fans who took in the show in the General section had some problems too. One patron said while the performances were “great”, accessing the bathrooms and the bars was chaotic. “With the amount of ppl it had in General, there should’ve been more screens seeing that the stage was that far. The bars were to the east and west, but there wasn’t much order when you got there.The ratio of staff to patrons was like 1:20.
There were long lines and a couple people fainted because the area was too congested and humid. I saw a woman right next to me pass out and without the quick action of patrons, I don’t know what would’ve happened because I never saw any of the services come to her,” he recalled.
When it came to the music though. There were no complaints.
“The performances were top notch. I danced the night away,” said the patron, sentiments echoed by many music enthusiasts on the night.
Local reggae singer Black Loyalty (Keon Jones), opened the show at about 8 pm. Then, Luciano (Jepther McClymont), Beres Hammond and crowd favourite, Buju Banton (Mark Anthony Myrie), performed a medley of their greatest hits over the years sending patrons on a glorious trip down memory lane. A stand out moment was when Buju joined Beres on stage to sing their popular track ‘Pull It Up’ which had the large crowd in a frenzy.
