All good things must come to an end

dearDIEry,

So my family friend  - that's what I'll call him for now, decides he wants to take me out to this poetry event on Saturday evening. He tells me the event begins at 7:30, but we can get there for 9 (apparently Jamaicans in Britain, do not do British time). I agreed to be picked up at 7:15, and off we went to Power in Poetry, an annual event put on by More Culture Recording Studio and Vibestrap Entertainment.

We arrived at the Marcus Garvey Centre and settled in to the available seats. Soon after we were joined by two other of his friends and we chatted for a bit while we waited. I was very certain at that point that the event was going to start late and was even more convinced when minutes later I saw the MC scurrying backstage after his very late arrival. "Yuh cyan tek dem outta Jamaica, but yuh cyah tek di Jamaican lateness outta dem". I guess my friend knew what he was saying when he suggested us getting there for 9.

The MC gave his opening remarks, and then invited the first act to perform. The MC had to be repeating the name of the person, until he found his way on stage. Then I realized that it was the same man who was patiently seated on stage when I arrived, with guitar in hand (you can tell he was real British). I guess he was tired of waiting and went to refresh himself. To say the least, his performance was refreshing. Doubt I can say that about the act that followed (who unfortunately was his mother). In a bid not to be mean, and knowing very well that I could not do better, let's just say, I have heard better poetry telling before. The lady tried to be engaging but that turned out to be very humorous, as at one point during her performance she forgot the order of the letters of the alphabet, and kindly blamed the audience for it. The other acts that followed were spectacular, but nothing as amazing as the all-white British band that gave us a fine rendition of "Welcome to Jamrock" by Damian Marley, with the lead singer chanting out the lyrics in patois as if he was Jamaican born. The audience erupted in cheers and begged for more. Too bad for "all good things, must come to an end" and I have church in the morning.

Stay tuned for more.

Cheers,
Davene