Good performances at Bellevue Music Festival
ENTERTAINERS Shaneil Muir, Louie Culture, Iyara, and Sean Kingston were in top form at the Bellevue Music Festival, which took place last Saturday at Festival Park in downtown Orlando.
The showers accompanied by thunder and lightning which drenched parts of Orlando on Saturday afternoon may have contributed to the low turnout of patrons; however, those in attendance certainly had a good time grooving to the hits of their favourite artistes as well as music spun by the DJS.
Prior to the main acts, several up-and-coming artistes graced the stage, including Click Star, Tinga Ling, LYRI-KALI, Bencil Clickstar, Badda General, and cultural group The Maroons.
Deejay Iyara gave a workman-like performance which surprised many in the audience. His delivery and showmanship were on point. There was a brief power cut during his performance and, like a professional, Iyara kept on performing until the lights were restored.
“It’s a pleasure to be performing here at the Bellevue Music Festival. It’s a good look,” Iyrara said.
He added, “Big up to the promoters and management for booking me for this event. I came to deliver to the fullest and the fans loved the performance. The audience sang along with me during the power cut. To me that signifies that the people need Iyara.”
Accompanied by her dancers, St Thomas, US Virgin Islands soca artiste Star Martin had the men in a frenzy with her slick moves and gyrating. She described her time on stage as fun.
“The vibe was fun, love and I love Caribbean people. We just came out here ready to have a good time,” she said.
Reggae artiste Teflon, who performed during Iyara’s set, blazed a fire. He kept the crowd rocking from the moment he came on stage.
“It was just a surprise performance for the people and the fans. It’s been a while since the people in Orlando have seen Teflon perform, so me just haffi give thanks to Iyara for even giving me the opportunity to express myself to the people. It’s just a joy for me,” said Teflon.
Singer Shaneil Muir was also in fine form reeling off Exclusive, Top Gyal and Yamabella.
“Before I take the stage, I pray about it. I assess and make myself available. I make sure I know my crowd, my market, and give it my best,” said Muir.
With the female members of the audience in her corner, Muir could do no wrong as they sang along.
Veteran deejay Louie Culture, who was recognised by the promoters of the event for his contribution to Jamaican music throughout the years, was surprised when he was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award on stage.
“Words can’t express how I feel. I was very surprised because no one said anything to me about it. Is a joy inna mi heart fi know say people recognise the works. Big up, Bellevue Music Festival,” he said.
Armed with Old Before Dem Young, Ganga Lee and No Gal among others, Louie Culture sounded as crisp as the actual recordings. Patrons danced up a storm, reminiscent of a retro party.
“It’s a great feeling to be performing here in Orlando. This is my first time here in about four years and Orlando people always have a good time whenever Louie Culture turn up. As you see fi yuhself, the crowd was great,” said Louie Culture.
He said the shelf life of the songs that he has recorded have contributed to continued interest in his work.
“We do real music, timeless music without an expiration date. Everyone can relate to them and these songs last for a lifetime,” he reasoned.
Nigerian-american singer and actor Rotimi was a hit with the ladies. Appearing on stage shirtless, the ladies screamed and hollered. He scored major points with them when he performed his Billboard-charting and gold-selling single In My Bed.
The lines of the song Me Love, announced the arrival of headliner and penultimate act, singer Sean Kingston. Accompanied on stage by his newest signee, rapper Ffawty, he moved through his vast repertoire with ease.
“It was such a good vibe. No matter what, you can go anywhere and perform fi different type a people, but you see you own people dem, the Jamaican people dem, the island people dem, is just a different feeling. I love it,” said Sean Kingston, who is gearing up for a summer tour with Shaggy.
His latest single, Satisfaction, which was produced by Dwayne “Supa Dups” Chin-quee is to be released shortly.
Bellevue Music Festival promoter Byron Somers was upbeat about the event.
“It was amazing, the accomplishment, the fans... I am overwhelmed,” he shared.