Cocoa Tea sweetens Seafood Fest

Western Bureau:

While other acts might have struggled to connect with the audience of adults and children, it was all smooth sailing for veteran crooner Cocoa Tea at Wednesday night's Rainforest Seafood Festival in Montego Bay, St James.

While new female voice Shenseea, the action-packed Tifa, Ding Dong, Grampa Entertain, promising Jahmiel, gospel singer Kevin Downswell, Romain Virgo (who brought on Busy Signal as a surprise guest and also got some 'strength' from Cocoa Tea) and Bounty Killer all had their moments, Cocoa Tea was dazzling.

Sounding as crisp as a new compact disc, the singer churned out hits as, in addition to his catalogue's gems, he also dipped generously into those of reggae greats such as Bob Marley, Sanchez and Gregory Isaacs.

The audience responded with glee to Rastaman Chant, Rikers Island, Love Me Truly, Good Life, Holy Mount Zion, Bob Marley's Waiting in Vain, Gregory Isaac's Number One and Tune In; plus Sanchez's version of Here I Am.

When Cocoa Tea ended his assigned 30 minutes, the happy audience demanded an encore, and he responded with Sonia and 18 and Over.