School rivals thrill audience in friendly musical showdown

The Clash that unfolded at the Copacabana Beach Club on Sunday night pitted some of the most highly recognised entertainers from rival alma maters Harrison College and Queen’s College in a musical showdown. 

When the final notes sounded in the early hours of Monday morning, the marathon event could be described more as a showmanship of friendly musical rivalry. Without a doubt, it was the audience who emerged as the ultimate victors, the prize being a gratifying musical showcase. 

The deejays and vocalists from both schools thrilled an enthusiastic audience with a diverse fusion of musical genres. DJ Stan’s ‘Back in Time’ segment and DJ Sagaboy’s old dub session provided a welcome throwback for many.

Allegiances were clear with some alumni donning their old school ties. The lineup crossed generations, and live entertainment started with the younger crop of artistes. 

Harrisonian Mikel Gooding kicked things off with Biggie Irie’s Get Over and Damian Marvay’s Push and Go Through. Following her was fellow Harrisonian Raanan Hackett, who at just age 21 brought more than a decade of experience onstage with his Crop Over releases, Amazing and Jam Harder.  

Representing QC in this early session was former Calypso Monarch Quon who opened with his title-winning Animal Kingdom, Rock with Me and followed up with the groovy Non-Stop.

As the night progressed, the more seasoned performers took the stage. Mr Dale who repped for QC thrilled the crowd with the timeless hits Kaylaylay and Drop It before concluding with the ever-popular Soca Junkie which DJ Ras made sure to restart multiple times to patrons’ delight. 

Natahlee proudly waved the Queen’s College banner and reminded the partygoers of her reggae roots before her transition to other genres. She showcased her artistry with a rendition of Stevie Wonder’s Overjoyed. Prompted by DJ Alvin Toppin, she even playfully sang a snippet of a vintage boutique advertisement. Her set included favorites like Weakness for Sweetness and What We Do.

The night was brimming with talent and Marvay was in top form as he delivered powerful performances of Push and Go Through, Survive the Weekend and Know the Face.  His vocals were phenomenal when he added in Barrington Levy’s Vice Versa Love.

Rhea Layne, decked out in her burgundy and gold school colours and sporting an afro reminiscent of an HC lion’s mane, lit up the stage. She recreated the spirit of Kadooment Day, having her audience chip across the dance floor for Road Call. Her set added in some of her standout hits from Crop Over 2023, including See You Again and Arch.

International recording star and Kolij alum Rupee took to the stage with the penultimate act, treating the audience to a mini concert of his greatest hits. Patrons sang along word for word with favourites like Insomnia, Blame it on the Music, Til Morning, Tempted to Touch, What Happens in De Party, Ice Cream and I’m a Bajan. Natahlee returned to the stage to perform their collaboration Ms Thundah.

Closing out the night with a high-energy performance was Soca Monarch Mikey, who got the crowd moving with songs like All Ovah, We Loose and Roll It before concluding fittingly with Feting Family. (STT)

Rupee excited patrons with many of his hits.

Raanan Hackett represented Harrison College.

Quon was part of the young crop of artistes.

Natahlee, a former QC student, displayed her versatility.

Mr Dale, repping for QC, sang many of his top tracks.

Mikey and Rhea Layne represented for their alma maters.

Mikel Gooding stepped out in her Kolij colours.

Damian Marvay delivered an impressive performance.