Crowd goes wild for Collie Buddz and New Kingston (Update)

THURSDAY, AUGUST 2, 11AM UPDATE: Reggae star Collie Buddz played an electrifying set at Barr’s Bay Park last night in his first gig on home turf since December 2009.

The Bermudian certainly got his fellow countrymen on a high as he performed a full line-up of classic hits and new tunes. 

An estimated 2,500 people packed out Barr’s Bay Park to see him perform with his high energy and highly entertaining band New Kingston.

They were also treated to a surprise performance by reggae singer Wayne Marshall who is headlining with Shal Marshall in Friday night’s Soca Versus Reggae event in Dockyard.

After a minute-long medley of a few hits, Buddz opened up with the sexy sounds of Let Me Know (Cool As A Breeze) and the crowd went wild.

Other hits included Tomorrow’s Another Day, which he began as a solo and integrated some harmonies with New Kingston singer Stephen Suckarie, What A Feeling, which ended in an epic drum solo by Courtney Panton, and Blind To You, one of the highlights of the night.

Other crowd pleasers were Come Around, Mamacita, and Sensimilla with Roach Killa and, in another surprise appearance, C’Daynger

The band brings a whole new sound to Collie Buddz’s concert – the sound is more organic, especially on some of the more highly produced songs Buddz has released in the past.

Drummer Courtney M Panton stood out with his punchy, high-energy style that more than often veered from the classic reggae beat. He had an amazing stage performance, boundless passion and a big, wide grin on his face. There were great dynamics between New Kingston (all family members) and Buddz.

And Blacka Di Dancer temporary stole the limelight whenever he came on to dance – his snaking hips were a hit with the crowd and he even gave Buddz a mini dance lesson on stage.

The concert itself was well organized on the whole — the billing was cleanly executed with performers taking to the stage on time and no long breaks between sets.

In fact, the break from New Kingston’s solo set to Collie Buddz could have been longer – we had only just bought our drinks at the packed out bar when all of a sudden the headline act was taking to the stage.

With the help of Great Sound and Lighting, Andrew Holmes of Gosling’s, brought a top production show for Buddz’s homecoming.

See the Bermuda Sun next week for more coverage.