Among some circles, it was the most anticipated concert of the year – Carimi’s 10-year anniversary performance.
The lines of ticketholders outside Amazura Concert Hall on November 5 were long, but no one complained of the chill in the air – because they didn’t notice. The anticipation of the night’s music line-up was too distracting to notice the weather.
After passing security and checking coats, each concert-goer entered Amazura with Nu Look on center stage. The crowds were amped with grooves from Arly and Pipo, and then Ralph Conde’s guitar skills sent the crowd wild. Dancers entertained with sharp costumes and choreography, and even a ballerina twirled to Nu Look’s music while dressed in a hip-ringing tutu.
When Arly sang “Wasn’t Meant to Be,” he tilted the microphone to the audience to sing along then stepped off stage and encouraged a lady in the crowd to sing with him. I guess the excitement was too much as the woman forgot the words. But Arly simply grabbed another woman who easily kept up – she knew every word to “Wasn’t Meant to Be” and was rewarded with cheers from the crowd. The crowd’s enthusiasm prompted Arly to playfully fan his guest with a towel. For that moment, the lady in black owned the crowd. We’ll probably be seeing her on X-Factor.
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Hometown: Baldwin, New York |
During intermission, DJ Stakz from High Profile Haitian Kings of New York mixed some of today’s greatest hip hop, reggae, kompa and even racine music, which brought back memories of Labor Day on Eastern Parkway. Anpil Gouyad!
After intermission, everyone eagerly awaited the stars of the show to arrive.Dancers in light colored suits first took to the stage. I thought I was watching a Black Eyed Peas concert on MTV. The choreography was on point and when over, the audience cheered to the arrival of Carlo, Richard, Michael and the rest of the band.
The guys’ outfits were reminiscent of a silver sequined Jackson Five get-up, from Michael in Michael Jacksonesque shades and a silver bullets belt, Carlo like Jermaine in a white sequined jacket, Richard donning the Randy Jackson look on the keyboards and Glenny rounding out the group like Tito. The guys gave a hell of a performance.
At one point during the show, the guys invited King Kino from the group. Phantom to join them on stage.
Thank you, Kino.
After was an appearance by legendary singer Shoubou from Tabou Combo. He sang with Carimi and gave an old time favorite from Tabou Combo’s album, Besse Ba. The crowd was jumping with joy.
Thank you, Shoubou.
The icing on the cake was when Wyclef Jean turned up on stage and drove the crowd into a frenzy. Wyclef anointed the crowd with hits like MVP Kompa and Original La and then of course lacing the crowd with a freestyle rap in Creole. Clef then showed us why he’s a master with the guitar – he borrowed Glenny’s guitar and really pulled some strings.
Many thanks,Wyclef.
Despite sore feet, audience members agreed – it had been a good night. Tout moun jwen! With that being said, I will end this review with, “Sak fet nan Carimi, ret nan Carimi.” Congrats to you guys. See you in another 10 years.
