The spirit of Christmas via Mahalia’s Corner was ever present at Ilaro Court last Sunday evening and lit up the atmosphere with warmth and musical cheer.
Just minutes after 8 p.m. the show, the first in-person one since 2019, commenced at the Prime Minister’s residence to a full house. Queen of the evening, Mahalia Cummins, graced the stage with a beautiful baby bump and announced that “her heart is full” as she told fans that she’s bringing a little one into the world.
With voice in fine form, she started her set with 2 Mile Hill singing Do You Hear What I Hear and What Child Is This. In a post show interview, she expressed praise for the event. “I think the energy was good. It was brand new, like fresh energy in a new space, and I think that people were receptive to the change and that they enjoyed it to the fullest,” she said excitedly.
Ch’an (right) put her all into her performance of All I Want for Christmas is you. She was joined by the lovely Mahalia Cummins.
Spoken word artiste and first-timer to Mahalia’s Corner Akeem Stoned with Cupid Chandler-Prescod had the crowd in stitches as he recalled elements of typical Barbadian Christmas’ in his piece, The Most Wonderful Time of the Year.
It was the first Mahalia’s Corner for Stoned With Cupid but he was very well received with his humorous original The Most Wonderful Time of the Year.
Adrian Green’s piece, You Have What It Takes, was motivational. He too brought a light-hearted approach to the space, much to the delight of fans.
Joy performed by the smooth sounding Mikey Mercer and 2 Mile Hill sprinkled the air with Christmas love.
JJ brought a different vibe with his acoustic cover of Wonderful Christmas Time – it was magical, to say the least. Reigning Junior Monarch Yahandje also graced the stage with an original that was well received.
Opening the second half was DJ Simmons, with an interestingly sweet spoken word piece that enthralled the audience.
DJ Simmons provided a spoken word story during his set.
2 Mile Hill’s We Don’t Have Snow was a crowd favourite.
The effervescent hype girl, Faith Callender, along with the smooth Alix Cage, did justice to Biggie Irie’s version of Drummer Boy.
The crowd couldn’t get enough of Ch’an who sang All I Want For Christmas is You. With the applause she received, it seemed all the audience wanted for Christmas was more of Ch’an’s voice.
Leading musician Nicholls Brancker graced the stage at Mahalia’s Corner.
Spotlight Artist, Casheda Dottin, serenaded with A Hard Candy Christmas.
During the open mic session, Mikel Golding, a former student of Harrison College, showed up and showed out with an amazing rendition of Oh Holy Night. Rico Roberts did a cover of Etta James’ Rather Go Blind. Other open mic performances included Carmen, who was soothing with The Garment of Love, to name a few.
The very sweet Carmen performed her original spoken word piece Garment of Love.
Closing out the evening was Nicholas Brancker, Nikita, Alix Cage and Mahalia with a medley of Christmas favourites, and the crowd sang John Legend’s version to Merry Christmas Baby along with 2 Mile Hill. (MR)
