Love Divine strikes the perfect note

The third edition of Love Divine, held recently, filled the Frank Collymore Hall with an atmosphere of praise, remembrance, and pure musical magic.

What began as a heartfelt tribute to the late Sylvian Moore has blossomed into one of Barbados’ most beloved musical fundraisers. It’s a night where artistry comes together for a cause, and where faith, family, and community intertwine in song.

Hosted by the engaging Antwone Holder, the evening unfolded like a musical tapestry woven with hymns, gospel, reggae and Caribbean soul.

Love Divine Band, conducted by Kevin Moore, was in fine form.

From the opening notes of Love Divine, All Loves Excelling and As the Deer, the audience was immediately transported into a spiritual space, their voices rising softly to join the band’s lush harmonies. The precision and passion of the Love Divine Band, directed by Kevin Moore, who also arranged the majority of the songs performed throughout the night, were nothing short of moving.

Arrangements by Roger Gittens and Mark Husbands elevated timeless hymns such as Will Your Anchor Hold, To God Be the Glory, and What a Friend We Have in Jesus, giving familiar melodies a modern and sophisticated touch.

The talented Kweku Jelani played the trumpet and sang.

The talented Kweku Jelani played the trumpet and sang.Trumpeter Kweku Jelani delivered an electrifying performance of Lamb of God/By the Rivers of Babylon, seamlessly blending reverence with reggae rhythm.

The second half brought a wave of joyful praise, starting with Lean On Me and a stirring rendition of From a Distance, arranged by Jomo Slusher, featuring the powerhouse vocals of Skyy Dowridge. The hall pulsed with rhythm during the Ron Kenoly Medley by Shem White and Andre Woodvine, before erupting in joyous dance with Big God and Shackles.

As three background vocalists, Casheda Dottin, Nareesa Lynch and Jadon Knight accompanied Shem, voices from the stage and audience blended into one powerful chorus. There were hands clapping, feet stomping, and laughter as the spirit of togetherness filled every corner of the hall.

The audience enjoyed every minute of Love Divine 3.

With each song, there were bursts of celebration: How Great Is Our God, led by the angelic Aaliyah Cumberbatch, and Goodness of God performed by brothers Kofi and Kymani Gilkes, each brought the audience to their feet in worshipful appreciation. The brother’s heart-tugging video about losing both parents was among other videos that brought moments of reflection.

The Sister Marshall Medley, arranged by Marc Andre Daniel and featuring Mark Forde, Hashim Durant and Judah Goddard on steelpan, turned the hall into a full-blown praise party.

Producers of the Trumpetboy Entertainment said the event was a shared experience of faith, remembrance, and compassion.

“Having the event is dear to my heart. The show was originally conceptualised as a way to honour my father, but now the show has grown beyond that . . . this show stands as a tribute not only to my father but to all those we’ve lost and who continue to fight,” said co-producer Kevin Moore.

His wife and co-producer Kelita Moore echoed that passion, adding: “It’s one thing to host an event and raise funds for a cause but it’s an entirely different feeling when you can see the direct impact those funds are making . . . Every contribution counts.”

And count they do; every note, every clap, every dollar raised goes directly to Cancer Support Services, helping provide care and comfort to those in need. In just two years, the concert has raised over $27,000 for Cancer Support Services.

The title of the final song was a fitting declaration against the cancer fight. The show closed with The Most Honourable Stedson RPB Wiltshire singing, I’m Alive. Everyone stood to their feet signalling that Love Divine 3 was alive with purpose, spirit, and song, proving once again that music can heal, inspire, and bring people closer together. (PR)