Olympic medalist models for Jamaica Day
Six thousand Jamaican’s converged on Crystal Palace Park to show their appreciation for the annual ‘I Love Jamaica Day’.
The event sponsored by Jamaica National Building Society and supported by the Jamaican Tourist Board included a stellar line-up of international acts and entertainment including a fashion segment which included Britain’s Olympic 400m Women’s champion Christine Ohuruogu.
The line-up also included top Roots Reggae artist Luciano, The University Singers from Jamaica and a fashion showcase by Meahlis showcasing her Mariposa 2010 Collection.
The University Singers from Jamaica kicked off the event with the National Anthem before performing some traditional songs.
With the crowd rocking to the tropical rhythm, fused with the sweet smell of pimento from the barbecue, The University Singers stepped up a gear by performing a customised rendition of ‘Signal di Plane’ by popular dancehall artist Elephant Man.
They also performed a medley of songs paying homage to other members of the dancehall fraternity. The versatility of this choir confirmed their pedigree as one of the world’s most renowned live choirs.
The ambiance was fever pitch and with Roots Reggae artist Luciano still waiting backstage things could only get better in marked contrast to events which happened just eight hours before.
An arson attack, believed to be racially motivated burnt down two of the VIP toilets just hours before the show was to commence. A local resident also tried to halt proceedings by claiming that the loudspeakers would threaten local wildlife inparticularly the fish.
When the veteran of Roots Reggae, Luciano took to the stage the crowd surged forward in appreciation, security had a tough job keeping the fans from the waters edge which separated the main stage from the public. A random dog attack threatened the otherwise peaceful event and Luciano’s brilliant solo performance reasserted how popular this event has become.
Rounding off a great afternoon’s entertainment was a superb fashion showcase by Meahlis who was presenting her Mariposa Collection for the first time in Europe. CEO of Meahlis, Lisa MCIntosh is an award winning stylist and designer from Jamaica.
Her models included Olympic 400m women’s gold medallist Christine Ohuruogu who regularly trains in Jamaica but sadly members of the Jamaican athletic team who were scheduled to walk the boards were too tired to appear.
400m Olympic Champion Christine said: “I don’t normally do things like this and I’m so nervous…”
MCIntosh said: “I met Christine in Jamaica and we instantly hit it off. She is so dedicated to her sport but she is also great fun to be with off the track.” Makeup and coordination was by Mary at Model Management.
