Got TIPS or BREAKING NEWS? Please call 1-284-442-8000 direct/can also WhatsApp same number or Email ALL news to:newsvino@outlook.com;                               ads call 1-284-440-6666

Onyan, Showtime band & others set rhythm for VI Festival 2015

- Emancipation Festival 2015 launched with vibrant performances also from VIBE, Prime Time the Squad & Razor Blades
Part of the audience in attendance at the launch of Emancipation Festival 2015 on June 28, 2015. Photo: VINO
Onyan during his performance early this morning. Photo: VINO
Onyan during his performance early this morning. Photo: VINO
Showtime Band in action. Photo: VINO
Showtime Band in action. Photo: VINO
Sky dancers in attendance. Photo: VINO
Sky dancers in attendance. Photo: VINO
More skydancers wowing the crowd with their skills. Photo: VINO
More skydancers wowing the crowd with their skills. Photo: VINO
Prime Time the Squad on Stage. Photo: VINO
Prime Time the Squad on Stage. Photo: VINO
Chairperson of the Virgin Islands Festival and Fairs Committee, Kishma A. Baronville speaking at the launch of VI Emancipation Festival 2015. Photo: VINO
Chairperson of the Virgin Islands Festival and Fairs Committee, Kishma A. Baronville speaking at the launch of VI Emancipation Festival 2015. Photo: VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – De Castro Street came alive last evening June 28, 2015 with the launch of Festival 2015 and all events related to it in a sea of vibrant colours and excitement with hundreds turning out to see the entertainment in store for them.

It was definitely the place to be if one wanted to sample upfront what can be expected for Festival 2015, for which activities will take place between July and August 2015.

“Ladies and gentlemen we want you to enjoy Festival 2015 and all the events that we have planned for you,” said Chairperson of the Virgin Islands Festival and Fairs Committee Kishma A. Baronville. She said that a press conference on Festival 2015 will be held tomorrow June 30, 2015.

Persons had the opportunity to sign up for troupes taking part in the Festival parade and there were scotches and samples of the costumes for the troupes for persons to consider before signing up.

Onyan owns the stage

Following early performances by the Razor Blades, the night definitely belonged to Onyan out of Antigua, who owned the crowd and had them following instructions to go left, right, forward and back and had them forming locomotives and circles as they followed his instructions,

Not only did Onyan perform his original soca hits such as ‘Guan Tanamera’, ‘If Loving You Is Wrong’, Kick Een She Back Doe’ and others but he also covered hits from other soca artists and from the legendary Bob Marley and Jimmy Cliff much to the delight of the crowd, even though these resonated more with persons over 35.

VIBE, the ensemble that was formed last year, was the last to perform and they gave a good account of themselves but, according to one fan, she was not feeling the ‘vibe’ and people started to stream out of the venue midway during their performance which was around three in the morning today June 29, 2015.

Earlier in the night, it was soca vibes with Eustace ‘Boss’ Freeman and Showtime Band with their hit ‘Sort Out’ and ‘Is That Your Man?’ Showtime Band even went as far to have dancers come on to the stage for various segments of their songs to get the crowd going even more. They had also performed popular alternative songs like those from Sam Smith and Ed Sheeran.

Prior to Showtime Band, Prime Time the Squad electrified the evening with a number of performances which had the crowd engaged and moving.

41 Responses to “Onyan, Showtime band & others set rhythm for VI Festival 2015”

  • vex (29/06/2015, 09:33) Like (3) Dislike (26) Reply

    Dem still treating the local bands like s**t!

    • Fly on the Wall (29/06/2015, 11:42) Like (31) Dislike (1) Reply
      The local bands need to assess their audience and play music to suit the crowd. Only then will they be treated right and respect in their own Country. Its a good thing Onyan played to move the over 30 crowd. The organisers finally thought about us and we are appreciative! Going out in the BVI is fast becoming a babysitting affair with the local bands playing the lullaby. Big up to VIBE band. I was really impressed with you last night. You played on a mature level that is commendable. Primetime squad was a pleasure to listen to and shows that we are taking strides to improve our musical talent here. Showtime Band has imaginative minds and potential but need to mature their music at this point. Take this critisism constructively. Mature your music in order to expand your fan base and job opportunities. Kudus to the festival committee for jump starting festival. May we all enjoy it and be safe at the end of it.
    • .... (29/06/2015, 20:05) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      You mean the crowd right....?
  • SHAME (29/06/2015, 10:56) Like (12) Dislike (17) Reply
    Where were the VG band or artist. Is it not BVI festival
  • wize up (29/06/2015, 10:58) Like (20) Dislike (29) Reply
    NDP: run things
  • give them all a test. (29/06/2015, 11:51) Like (14) Dislike (5) Reply
    They need to stop hand picking bands for performances. They need to invite all local bands to perform for a 30 minutes gig for free then they will see their are lots of better local bands than the 2 or 3 they keep hand picking.
  • Bias and loyal (29/06/2015, 12:02) Like (6) Dislike (15) Reply
    MVW You are trying to make young people feel important, because they support you during election, but they are not doing this Festival thing right----I have heard people asking and begging for you to involve Mr. Brian Penn, even as an adviser, he is an asset. Why not?-
  • cay (29/06/2015, 12:34) Like (18) Dislike (1) Reply
    They have made everything political....i staying home
  • Michael (29/06/2015, 12:39) Like (21) Dislike (2) Reply
    I will continue to pray for the lost souls of this territory.
  • STRUPES! (29/06/2015, 12:50) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    A set of boring people, music playing and only a handful of people dancing, even the babies was doing better. Even if you cant dance how can you be at a party or even hear music and not moving your waste just stand and watch the trees shake.
  • Feeling the Vibe (29/06/2015, 13:20) Like (15) Dislike (13) Reply
    Vibe was on point. The dancers were awesome. It was late, but it was good. Kudos ...put your hands up...and clap!
  • Sounding nice (29/06/2015, 14:02) Like (22) Dislike (22) Reply
    The VIBE band is my band sorry. They give me VI style and still play any other type music. I enjoy watching and listening to them. Onyan was good too I really dont feel Showtime anymore they're sounding whack. Didn't catch Prime Time but I'm sure nothing changed from the last time.
    • They all TURRIBLE (30/06/2015, 10:04) Like (2) Dislike (8) Reply
      They all turrible(Barkley voice) thank good Onyan was there I would have gone home early. Step the sound up every band sound like they have the same riddim box.
  • Hmmmm (29/06/2015, 14:09) Like (21) Dislike (13) Reply
    Another ndp witch!
  • humble (29/06/2015, 14:43) Like (6) Dislike (14) Reply
    You could always tell when VIBE people comment because most small minded, big up you band if they sounded good to you, why try hate on Showtime?? By the way Showtime band was entertaining as usual to spite the overall sound for the first two bands Showtime and Primetime as a matter of fact was not there as if the engineers was working out kinks. as the night got Late the Sound got better. They all was good to me
    • Boy humble yourself (29/06/2015, 17:10) Like (14) Dislike (4) Reply
      You taking hard. Showtime don't get hired for gigs and it was proven last night. They can't move no one over 21. And it's sad cause that band with the member of vibe had Tola in lock. So if u is a real showtime fan you got to still support vibe. Majority of vibe was showtime. Showtime only have boss Alton ain't going be here to rescue them. Before we get negative let's face it. They are both local bands. No need for hating. Only the members know what caused the band to split. When one man can't work as a team. Things go bad and I ain't going call which name. This hating thing has to stop.
      • humble (29/06/2015, 23:00) Like (10) Dislike (12) Reply
        Since the split showtime band licking VIBE every year 2 years straight what world do you live in, what festival do you attend? now it is known that Showtime Is the Band myself and the whole of tortola look forward too come Festival they have what we want ENERGY. Question is Can they continue giving it to us like they did over the last two years after the split. That humble opinion without calling down band nor members.
      • wha (29/06/2015, 23:11) Like (9) Dislike (13) Reply
        Showtime can't move people??? VIBE is who can't move people that live outside of Lower estate and huntums ghut. i can't believe what i just read, 2 straight festival VIBE been whack while Showtime Continue doing what they did for years. I watch VIBE on the Beach last week begging people to dance a place that showtime dominates easily , I went to a VIP party same thing VIBE can't make people dance , I pay my cash went events that people leave when VIBE start because they always want to be perform last trying to get other bands to hype crowd for them, but that strategy not working VIBE BORING sorry no DRIVE. will do good in the Hotel industry
        • nonsense (30/06/2015, 09:40) Like (11) Dislike (4) Reply
          If Showtime alyuh saying is band round here music dead in the Virgin Islands. I was on the beach and also Greenland cricket field and Vybes rock both places with music. They should of have showtime playing in the afternoon so I could get more Onyan and Vybe. Kids thing that is man. You Too bias
        • Really?! (30/06/2015, 10:37) Like (12) Dislike (1) Reply
          This is still a topic?! People need to grow and advance! Numbers don't lie around here. Who gets booked for all the events around here? VIBE! Who events get flop day in and day out? Showtime. This is not me comparing the 2 bands either. Because there is not comparison. VIBE has jelled members in their band, while Showtime members change every so often. You can't be consistent if you continue to do that. Let's just put the hate aside for something that seems to pick up steam during festival time. What happens to the other months of the year when all you see and hear is VIBE? What does that say about the band? Its ridiculous to come on here and read this. What even makes this worst is im not even a fan of any, I just observe the headlines and what goes on. C'mon GET REAL!
          • fool (30/06/2015, 20:48) Like (4) Dislike (8) Reply
            You the see vibe play unless there is a Usvi band playing? It dont happen because Vibe alone Flops, in fact all them events that has stlyee and Poizon with vibe are VIBE events with a promiter fronting thats why the event card remains the same. Yup you was fooled. Thats why they always play last yup thats why showtime band never ln those events. Let me go further numbers dont lie for couples years now VIBE Flop jouvert and Showtime have the whole of the bvi behind them on august monday. Lol ask yourself why
            • You is the fool (01/07/2015, 06:34) Like (7) Dislike (3) Reply
              I can't believe you wrote that. That Mek sense!!! Ask any promoter why they hire vibe. They does get there monies worth. When show time hold jams with the same us bands they floop. That's why there members don't stick around they don't get paid. And Jouve isn't something u could judge a band. Let vibe play first I bet u see a difference. U just hating on vibe and u need to educate your self. Try get in 6 form
  • Onyan (29/06/2015, 14:47) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    Onyan was a good band for the mixture...after all these years he can still move a crowd, good music never dies.
  • eyes (29/06/2015, 14:53) Like (12) Dislike (3) Reply

    Event was a nice event, bands did there thing people walking out on a band is never a good thing to see as they Walk out on VIBE , but they sounded like vibe boring but good. onion is like broken record same songs but he sounds better and better doing the same $h*t over and over. Showtime the sound was not right some how, Engineer fell asleep ...but i dont know how they the do it, always get people involved some how, that experience singer pays off. Prime Time sounded good brass and signers sweet, but busy playing everybody music cant leave a mark that way. Just my views

  • Ears (29/06/2015, 16:04) Like (15) Dislike (2) Reply
    Splash is a better brass band than squad by far..Thats the only band I enjoy listening to. VG got a few good bands also, Vybe is not bad, I like to hear splash...Maybe Management is important, its who reaching out and making the connections---So bands stop complaining about not getting Gigs and reach out to the committee with your proposals and your sounds.
    • Rick (30/06/2015, 10:15) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
      Splash always had the better brass and music but they need to play often to keep their fans.
  • Monotony imported for we (29/06/2015, 16:31) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    If they give local bands the chance--one day we will become like St. kitts and Antigua etc, where local bands can give us a good and enjoyable festival...how much new songs Onion sing from the last time we heard him?---Where is the plan for local entertainers to dominate our festival? because there is no plan we are not going no where..Mr. Penn did had a plan--He brought all local bands by the market make them play for free for 45 minutes, then book them base on that performance--He turn that into a festival fun-raiser. That was a plan for local bands to practice, to improve and to display their sound.---Until then we will be enjoying the imported monotonies
    • wongchichi (30/06/2015, 15:17) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Do you know that the local bands in the other countries didn't wait for anybody to give them a chance they performed and performed well in any venue they were booked in. Alot of our local bands play regularly and yet their music cant get past St.Thomas I think it says alot to the quality of the music far more than any monotony in play. Onyan can be booked and will be enjoyed locally and internationally even if he only has one new song a year because the quality of his catalog over the years makes him an icon. The fact that you can form your mouth to complain about having onyan perform shows little appreciation for the art and in my opinion makes you unfit to have an opinion.
  • wize up (29/06/2015, 16:46) Like (7) Dislike (3) Reply

    breaking news; Onyan is from Antigua so the min**** expanding that cash flow(offshore banking)....

  • SHOWTIME FAN (29/06/2015, 17:13) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply

    Prime time mix was far better. That's my two cents. Put away friendship and think about the business.

  • Request (29/06/2015, 17:50) Like (7) Dislike (6) Reply
    Can you please bring small axe? Thank you!
  • hold on (29/06/2015, 18:09) Like (5) Dislike (10) Reply
    The event was almost put together right , Onion performed at the rite time, the band Showtime should have closed because they have that energy style of play, prime remained the same and the Vibe band just before onion cause they smooth too smooth i was among the set leaving while the Vibe performed they had nothing to keep me there. But not bad start to festival the people came out
  • Getting Too Old? (29/06/2015, 20:18) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    Part of the problem is that a band should be wrapping up at 3am not hitting the stage. Most people are already tired at that point. It's only common sense...
  • Girls (30/06/2015, 11:13) Like (2) Dislike (9) Reply
    SHOWTIME BAND TO THE WORLD!!!
  • Mandatory (30/06/2015, 13:43) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Ralo
  • tbh (01/07/2015, 11:00) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
    Showtime!! Lawd ayo need alat a work... ayo ain sayin nuttin... jus teenager sh**t... playing the same things over and over... like ayo run outta material... i heard OMG the other day and they sounding tighter dan ayo... VIBE is alot more mature and more professional... ayo need to watch dem and take notes...smh
    • facts (01/07/2015, 12:49) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
      Tbh, You are so right. I said the same thing, Showtime ain in this music game at all,them ain even on the bench. OMG and all other new bands ova yall.. Showtime........Time to go back to the drawing board because this ain the band we know to love, yall really behind.


Create a comment


Create a comment

Disclaimer: Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) welcomes your thoughts, feedback, views, bloggs and opinions. However, by posting a blogg you are agreeing to post comments or bloggs that are relevant to the topic, and that are not defamatory, liable, obscene, racist, abusive, sexist, anti-Semitic, threatening, hateful or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be excluded permanently from making contributions. Please view our declaimer above this article. We thank you in advance for complying with VINO's policy.

Follow Us On

Disclaimer: All comments posted on Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) are the sole views and opinions of the commentators and or bloggers and do not in anyway represent the views and opinions of the Board of Directors, Management and Staff of Virgin Islands News Online and its parent company.