Kirk Franklin wooing exuberant fans. - Michael SloleyTHE 'KIRK Franklin Returns' concert presented by the Emmanuel Music Ministries was slated to begin at 7 p.m. at Cinema ll, New Kingston, but instead began approximately 20 minutes late, witnessed by a small audience.
When The Gleaner spoke with Silbert Thomas, executive producer of the show, and asked his views on the reason for the disappointing turn-out, he intimated that it could have been the prevailing bad weather over last week. He also said that it might have been because the artiste has been here on four other occasions.
The line-up also featured local acts, such as Papa San, Emmanuel Mass Choir and Chevelle Franklyn, among others.
The concert was the first in a two-concert series, the other scheduled for Port Kaiser tonight at 7 p.m.
The format of the show was satisfactory and it flowed smoothly. Commendations should be in order for the production team who effected such quick band changes. The professionally handled sound by Klarity added another dimension to the evening of gospel music.
Kirk Franklin, who is no stranger to the Jamaican stage and people, took to the stage and gave an electrifying performance. He has an incredible sense of humour which greatly enhanced his performance. A noticeable facet of his presentation was the manner in which he utilised the pulsating rhythm of the band.
What was fantastic about the gospel artiste was his innovative disposition which demonstrated to the screaming crowd that gospel music is not static there can be experimentation without mud-slinging or pre-occupation with people's sexuality.
There was adequate food and drink and access to the different locations was easy. However there were some scary moments, especially when unruly persons in the audience broke loose by removing barriers to get closer to the stage.
There are those who felt that the local artistes, especially Papa San, went overboard with their performance gimmicks. However, the youthful fans transformed the enclosure into a dance hall and traded competitive dance moves.
It was therefore of small wonder that the audience was reluctant to let the gospel dancehall stalwarts leave the stage.
