Entertainment

'Supercharged' in the Park

By KANDRE' MCDONALD, Freelance Writer

Patrons got 'Recharged' at the Recharge Four--Transformation Jamaica, Gospel Concert, held at Emancipation Park, Park Boulevard, New Kingston on Saturday. - WINSTON SILL PHOTOS

EMANCIPATION PARK, NEW Kingston was 'Charged', 'Recharged' and 'Supercharged' last Saturday, as Christians, Non-Christians and even Rastafarians turned out in their numbers for Recharge 4.

There was no need for a Recharge though as everyone present was already charged to give praises unto God. No one seemed to want to be 'Recharged', and even as the time crept by the energy level in the Park was 'breaking down barriers'.

The chastisement of homosexuality and the proclamation of Emancipation Park as God's property by singer Jason Mighty, 'ignited' shouts of Hallelujah throughout the crowd.

TMJ, formerly Forgiven, was next onstage and the trio burnt a more reserved type of fire than their predecessor, but was appreciated by the crowd nonetheless. They made way for Prodigy, whom the crowd loved from the moment he held the microphone. They sang and jumped along with the artiste as they praised "The Ancient of Days" in unison.

Although Prodigy created a storm, it was not of the 'Category 5' variety that Bless a.k.a. Prodigal Son unleashed on Emancipation Park.

The Trench Town bred artiste was introduced as a gunman turned Christian who was now standing up for God and what's right. Just the mere introduction had the crowd screaming.

The hardcore gospel deejay started out with a brief biography, which began: "In 1997 I stopped doing the devil's job..., and ended "Now I am dedicated to the work of God", a declaration which was amply supported by what was to come.

Bless started his set 'old school style' and immediately patrons were absorbing the energy he poured out. The mainly Christian gathering demonstrated to the seculars that they had a few dance moves of their own. With Prodigal getting radical, the patrons joined in to do the Salute the King, Baptize, Fly Away and a host of other dances.

Bless was joined onstage by brother, Jason and the two seemed to have ushered the spirits of the patrons with I Know a Changer. Bless soon merged his set into a praise and worship segment that the crowd appreciated.

The event crept well into the late hours, but the crowd did not seem bothered and when the MC shouted out over the microphone: "Unno ready fi guh home?", a thunderous NO! echoed throughout the New Kingston area.