‘Watz Hott Guyana’ provides heartwarming memories

Jun 09, 2008 News

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By Alex Wayne

A mammoth crowd went home thoroughly satisfied – save for a few glitches in the Dancehall Queen segment – when Dynamix Productions and Kross Kolor Studio hosted the 2008 Watz Hott Guyana Show (Prelude to CARIFESTA X) at Thirst Park on Saturday night.
What began initially as a trickle of spectators, soon increased to a massive turnout – singing and waving in unison with most of the performing artistes.
While MCs Kirk ‘Chow Pow’ Jardine and Linden ‘Jumbie’ Jones lightened the atmosphere with their customary dramatic humour, the Famous Posse Dancers of Victoria soon built the excitement with dazzling pieces that prompted hearty applause.
Enter singer/designer Carlos ‘Lucky B’ Williams, whose slurred and raucous renditions, to the point of being unintelligible, were an unwelcome diversion. The performer was consistently offbeat, and screamed into the microphone, much to the annoyance of the audience.
His departure from the stage was obviously a relief as the promoters quickly prepared the next act to keep the positive vibes flowing.
Young Bill Rogers got things back on track with his selection, ‘Fifty Cents’. Dishing out a healthy serving of the hit piece ‘Piaba’ and several others, the 2008 Calypso Monarch easily wormed his way into the hearts of the audience.
Budding group the G-Money Singers, who followed Rogers, seemed not to be connecting with the crowd initially, but soon upped their act to an acceptable level.

Brutal Tracks’ Isan, on the other hand, was quickly into rhythm with smooth reggae vibes. He was joined for a while by Vizion Sounds’ Alabama, and the collaboration worked well with the ladies.
Apart from Jardine and Jones, dancer/entertainer Ivelaw Campbell provided moments of hysterical laughter as he performed his ‘Granny Fit’ presentation.
While the costume may have truly depicted a modern-day granny, the gyrations, body trembling, somersaults and splits had many begging for more “Granny Energy”.
Campbell performed several Indian dance pieces with admirable precision, and showed remarkable versatility when the songs, ‘Nanny Wine’, ‘Scratch me Back Fuh Meh’ and a few others allowed him to display his dancehall prowess.
The X-Factor Dancers, an all male dance ensemble, maintained the intensity.
Skilfully intertwining Indian dance, hip-hop and dancehall moves, the performers managed to have the majority of the patrons mimicking their signature moves.
Bally’s execution of his hit single, ‘Put Down the Guns,’ was well received, as well as a few more of his selections.
Clinton ‘Passion’ Adolphus delivered the first soca session, performing some of his more popular hits, inclusive of ‘Watching’.
Somewhere along the line he seemed to have lost focus, but he quickly reined in the slack, leaving the stage to an appreciative ovation.
Sheldon Walcott, meanwhile, who never ceases to amaze, may not be among the high-energy artistes, but he certainly knows to weave his way into the hearts of the ladies. After setting the tone with a few subtle pieces, he whipped up a crescendo with the popular ‘Girl You Keep Turning Me On’.
Many tried to jump the barriers when he left the stage to shake the hands of several ladies who screamed with delight.
That bit of engaging entertainment was followed by what was intended to be one of the night’s highlights – the Dancehall Queen Showdown. And while this had its share of thrills and excitement, there was an element of controversy.
However, while that will be expounded upon in the next Weekend Entertainer Special, it was Lady Ryanna who was declared the 2008 Monarch and carted off the US$1000 cash prize and trophy.
Coming in second place was Lady Diamond, while Miss Reddo of the Westside was given the third spot.
The consensus among patrons seemed to indicate that Lady Intruder’s efforts were deserving of a top-three placing.
The lone Hip-Hop performer, JP, was as smooth as he could be, but it was obvious that the genre is as yet not entirely a favourite of the local public. No amount of energy, gesticulations or antics on his part seemed to have the desired impact.
Gospel singing entertainer Kester D, meanwhile, had no problem in soliciting a favourable crowd response, but it was noteworthy that he avoided any pulsating renditions, instead choosing more soothing ballads.
It probably was a blessing in disguise that he did not whip up any frenzied activity, since Wilbur ‘Lilman’ Levans soon had the crowd feverishly gyrating to ‘Wine and touch yuh toe,’ along with a few other popular selections.
Spider Man and another Fireclan singer did reasonably well performing ‘Road Block’ and ‘Proud to be Guyanese’ among others.
Platinum’s Fojo, however, was the centre of attraction at Saturday night’s show.
Coming onstage to ear-piercing screams from the ladies, the suave entertainer did not disappoint with his melodious tones. Getting close to the barriers was not the wisest thing to do on his part, since he was almost mobbed by adoring fans.
Bringing the curtains down was 2008 Road March Queen, Michelle ‘Big Red’ King, who was surprisingly able to keep the crowd in a party mood, despite their hours of revelry.
Feeling the musical tempo, she challenged the MCs to a ‘wine down’ that had everyone rocking with laughter.
A sudden downpour did not dampen spirits. It couldn’t.

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