Joy, joy, joy at Mahalia’s Corner

The spirit of Christmas radiated throughout the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre as the popular talent showcase, Mahalia’s Corner, took centre stage for its annual Christmas concert. 

Performing to a sold-out and vocally appreciative audience, the crew pulled out all the stops to make the event merry and bright. 2 Mile Hill’s frontwoman and new mom Mahalia Cummins tenderly showed off her daughter, Sloane, while crooning the classic Baby’s First Christmas. 

As the night progressed, so did the Christmas vibes. During the first half, the band serenaded the audience with Together This Christmas and paid a touching tribute to the late Richard Stoute with the spouge Christmas hit, Rocksteady, among other well-received renditions, including We Don’t Have Snow, Angels We Have Heard on High and The Christmas Song. 

The Marlon Legall Voice Project thrilled the audience.

Special guest performers also graced the stage during the first half. The sweet-singing songbird, Rochie, with Oh Holy Night, while Mikel wowed patrons with her vocal range as she performed Silent Night. Former Baje to the World winner Casheda also mesmerised the audience with Luther Vandross’ My Favourite Things. 

After intermission, things kicked up a notch with the open mic, which showcased the talent of the audience members, some known to the stage and some unknown. The standout of the segment was Joycelyn with Mary Did You Know. This earned her a standing ovation. 

Mikey transformed the venue into a fete with ‘Feteing Family’.

Throughout the night, the band underscored the importance of family at Mahalia’s Corner, giving young, talented artists an avenue to showcase their creativity. The 3MD Band gave a delightful rendition of a Christmas medley using various instruments such as steelpan and saxophone. 

The audience could not get enough of the Marlon Legall Voice Project. Their set included a pore-raising spin of Harry Belafonte’s Banana Boat (Day-O), I’ll Be Home For Christmas and Carol of the Bells. 

Songbird Rochie performed ‘Oh Holy Night’.

To round out what was an exciting and festive evening of immersive talent was MADD, who endeared themselves to the audience with their humorous songs. 

Michael Mikey Mercer, a well-known face to the Mahalia’s Corner stage, joined up with Mahalia for the crowd favourite Joy and ended on a high note with Feteing Family. (CJ)