Found at: http://www.anguillaguide.com/article/articleprint/5806/-1/134/
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The 18th year of Moonsplash was all it promised to be with big crowds, great music, great food and drink, and most importantly, amazing vibes. Although the festival kicked off on Thursday afternoon with a beach bash, Friday night’s performance by Tarrus Riley was absolutely splendid and concert goers were able to be entertained in a very special way. Many things were different about this year’s Moonsplash and it seems as if the people enjoyed it immensely.
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Tarrus Riley in action
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With day beach parties starting on Thursday, it gave the festival a different feel as patrons were granted access not only during the night, but all day. Thursday’s headlining band was the Superfly String Band and they played enthusiastically at the beach bar on Rendezvous Bay. The public was invited to view artwork by Gabrial Karen, Lena Gumbs was on hand selling her book on Anguilla’s flowers and Dale Carty had an impressive menu of local food.
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Audience at the Dune Preserve
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Friday’s beach party was graced by the presence of One White Chick, a funky upbeat band that officially opened the concert series. Friday night’s activities kicked off with a performance by Al G although in the beginning there were some technical difficulties with the microphones that were eventually rectified by the time Tarrus Riley and Black Soil came on. Above the crowd, sponsors and special invited guests lounged in the VIP section. The event was able to be first rate this year because of the generous support of Cable and Wireless Anguilla, National Bank of Anguilla Ltd. and The Anguilla Tourist Board.
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Moonsplash mainstage Artist Tarrus Riley along with NBA Representatives (Platinum Sponsor)
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The Anguillian was able to get an interview with Tarrus, the headlining act who has become very popular as of late with his hit song “She’s Royal,” backstage before his performance. Dressed in jeans and a light blue jacket, he and his band members were relaxed backstage and were quite willing and able to meet and greet people. When asked what he thought of Anguilla he said, “it is beautiful and very nice, it is my first time here and hopefully not the last.” Tarrus Riley arrived in Anguilla on Thursday by way of ferry from St. Martin. He was excited about the show and commented, “I love to sing you know, and I want to thank the people for the support and love as I need the love and it gives me the opportunity to give more love as I have a very big heart and my music is for everyone, all walks of life, all nationalities and colours and classes and genders. My music is about bringing people together and I want to say thank you very much for the support.”
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Tourists at Moonsplash cultural event
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Tarrus Riley came on stage quite promptly around 12:30am, yet another indication of how well run Moonsplash was this year as time was well respected. Tarrus and the Black Soil band gave a powerful performance and there was an overwhelming sense of good vibes. Marcus Garvey, a musician in Anguilla, was attending the concert as well and said, “this is a real good show, really big, large.. big up to Moonsplash.” Mr. Riley is an extremely humble and caring man and uncharacteristically soft spoken until he gets on the stage. On stage, he is a great entertainer but at the same time conveys his humbleness and love for humanity. Friday night ended earlier than years in the past and that did upset some patrons as they expected to party well into Saturday morning, but the Royal Anguilla Police Force was adamant about things ending in a timely manner.
Saturday afternoon’s beach party continued the good vibes with live reggae on the beach performed by the Roots Foundation. Saturday night however was jam packed with artists and people and unfortunately time ran out on Steel Pulse when the police stopped the party at 4:00am. The night started with a conscious and mellow performance by local artist Kinaya as his lyrics and soothing performance created a beautiful atmosphere on the grounds of the Dune Preserve and set the stage for a great night. He was followed by a powerful and energetic performance by Masud Sadiki who was dressed in all white and had a commanding presence on stage. The Anguillian was also able to speak with him backstage after the performance. Masud said, “I love Anguilla and I will come back as much as they want. I was definitely feeling the crowd and the energy and vibes were amazing.” Masud Sadiki is a fantastic performer and an up and coming rising star of the Caribbean.
Bankie Banx came on stage before Steel Pulse and gave a great performance singing his signature songs such as “Where I and I abide” and “Prince of Darkness.” The crowd was delighted to listen to these cherished songs and it was obvious in the faces of the public that Bankie is certainly an icon in the Caribbean and loved by many. Although late, Steel Pulse, who is currently celebrating their 30th anniversary, came on stage around 3:00am and performed powerfully until the music was stopped at 4:00 am by the police. The RAPF received criticism in the way it was handled as some disrespect was shown to the artists and Bankie himself. Yet, it cannot be denied that Saturday and Sunday morning was enjoyed by all as the music was exhilarating.
The annual Moonsplash Beach Party started on Sunday, the final day of the festival. The Dune was alive with string band music, performances by Concept Band with vocals by Queen Bee and poetry from Jeanette Benjamin. The sea side venue was packed with visitors as well as numerous residents and party goers. One of the major highlights was a fashion show featuring Fabiana Liburd’s Why Knot Everywhere Wear. Her new line of versatile scarves, signature sandals and children’s wear drew much applause. Her line was complimented by accessories and jewellery from Irie Life in South Hill. As the sun descended, the party continued well into the night, closing the curtains on Moonsplash 2008.
-Jason Allen