Poetry enthusiasts congregated in the snug ambience of Senses Marché on Belleville St Michael last Saturday night, embracing the allure of Jus a Trace: The Boudoir Edition, meticulously orchestrated by communications specialist Tracy Moore.
The former journalist discovered her passion for spoken word decades ago in the vibrant city of Toronto. And despite initial reservations about her assimilation into the local scene, she found the encouragement she needed from late deejay Warren Jon Doe Forte and the lyrical virtuoso Dr Stedson RPB Wiltshire. Finally conquering her apprehensions, she made a triumphant return to the stage this past February. This event, synonymous with love, also serves as a touching tribute to Forte on what would have been his birthday.
In the wake of the success of the inaugural event, this more sensual iteration heralded as the sultriest night in October, was conceived. While pyjamas remained optional attire, a few audacious attendees fully embraced the theme by donning bedroom attire.
Carmen dressed in theme for the event.
Among them was Carmen, one of the featured performers, who embodied the theme wholeheartedly. She donned a captivating scarlet negligee that accentuated her curves, weaving mesmerising tales of love and heartbreak. Her velvety voice held the audience spellbound as she delivered pieces such as Garment of Love, Breakup Sex, and Love Me Like Poetry.
Rhyminister was one of the featured performers.
With each performer gracing the stage, the audience was progressively engrossed in their narratives, harmonised by an ensemble directed by the musical maestro, Jomo Slusher. While all the presentations were brimming with vivid imagery, the appearances of Rhyminister and Sunrokk introduced a distinct flavour. Carmen’s pieces exuded sensuality, but Rhyminister and Sunrokk brought their signature styles, laced with humour. Rhyminister delved into the intriguing topic of the Horner Man, while SunRokk, in his effortless style, chronicled fractured relationships and sexual prowess. He ingeniously employed cricketing analogies to resonate with the Caribbean context, weaving sexual undertones through song titles from Edwin Yearwood and Lil Rick.
Sunrokk delivered an impressive performance.
Kweku Jelani, renowned for his mellifluous vocals as much for his deft handling of the trumpet, emerged as another evening highlight. His inclusion by promoter Moore proved to be astute, as he showcased his musical prowess on the trumpet and demonstrated his versatility as a singer. Jelani’s repertoire traversed multiple genres, commencing with Robin Thicke’s Lost Without You, transitioning seamlessly to Estelle’s Come Over, and effortlessly moving into Romaine Virgo’s I Want to Go Home. He added a touch of risqué charm with Stiffy’s Body in Trouble and offered attendees a tantalising preview of original material from his forthcoming EP, scheduled for launch on October 29.
Kweku Jelani showed his versatility as an entertainer.
As the concluding act of the night, Moore, clad in comfortably stylish pyjamas, relinquished her role as the hostess and metamorphosed into an artiste. Removing her shoes and releasing her tresses, she afforded the audience an intimate glimpse into her innermost musings through meticulously crafted prose, harmoniously complemented by musical accompaniment. Her recitations included poems such as Lust (her maiden composition), Jazz, and In Those Jeans. Additionally, she unveiled more recently penned works, Dreams and Beres, which artfully incorporated lyrics from the legendary performer.
Upon reflection, she shared with Barbados TODAY: “I wanted to ensure that individuals in attendance tonight simply had a good time.”
Undoubtedly, they did, as the evening culminated in an exuberant afterparty. (STT)
