By Michelle GonsalvesPULSATING drumbeats, rhythmic chanting and culturally conscious lyrics. This was the scene yesterday on the ground floor of Fogarty’s where a concert put on for CARIFESTA X and featuring Caribbean and North American-based Rastafarian artistes was in progress.

Guyanese-born Ras Leon Saul, who came as part of a Canadian delegation, opened the programme, and the very first item on the agenda was a ‘Jump and Chant’ number by Ras Kush David, a Barbadian writer, poet, recording and performance artist who is here for the first time. “We love we roots and we love we culture,” chanted David in one stanza of his poetic utterances, accompanied by Ras Leon Saul’s drumming. Kush David later did another riveting poetic chant entitled ‘Rasta Revolution’.

Those present were unable to resist bobbing their heads and tapping their feet to the infectious rhymes and rhythms, when Ras Kiyode Erasto presented his delightful reggae and soul blended music, which he sang with feeling. His conscious presentation expressed the message that civilisation is contrary to what the Almighty meant it to be. ‘Ina de Struggle’ was the name of another stimulating number by Ras Kiode Erasto, who beseeched his listeners to “stand up and fight for your life in the struggle” in a style of music called root culture. ‘Up mighty Race, we have to come to our rightful place,” implored Ras Leon Saul in a poetic presentation. “Marcus Garvey said to be proud of your forefathers of yore,” he said.

Pretty soon, it was time for members of the audience to show what they could do. The reward for those brave enough to perform an impromptu item on stage was a gift voucher from Fogarty’s. Just then, Mr. Rupert Singh, who is currently an MC at the Sophia Exhibition Centre, happened to be passing and was called on stage by Ras Leon Saul. Mr. Singh did not disappoint and earned his voucher by performing a slow romantic number to the delight of his listeners.

There were two other voucher-earning presentations by two other brave members of the audience – one Ms Paralall and Joshua, a little dreadlocked boy who shyly came forward, prompted by the audience. Ms. Paralall sang a gospel tune and Joshua sang the chorus of Bob Marley’s ‘One Love’ after some urging by the audience. However, the best was saved for last as the talented Rastafarians showed off their skill at drumming to an enthusiastic crowd, in an energetic display that drew people from all parts of the Fogarty’s complex.

In keeping with the sprit of CARIFESTA X, which is all about unity and sharing each others art and culture, Fogarty agreed to host the concert so that the public could be enlightened about Rastafarian religion and culture.