Vigo's ultimate performance
Published:Sunday | June 10, 2018 | 12:00 AMJanet Silvera/ Senior Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
An ultimate performance by spirited showman Romain Virgo, closed the curtains on Sandals Resorts' 10th anniversary Ultimate Award last Thursday night at Sandals South Coast in Westmoreland.
Renowned for his stage presence, Virgo used his incredible talent to tear the roof off the ballroom of the European village-styled hotel, compelling those in attendance to 'dance at attention'.
Virgo took control of the audience, commanding every step they took and every note they sang. They became his chorus and he served as their ruler.
TRIBUTES TO THE GREATS
Paying tribute to the likes of the late Gregory Isaacs, Alton Ellis and Beres Hammond, Virgo drew for hit after hit. When he reached for Night Nurse, there was no doubt he was the only person in that ballroom capable of quenching the thirst.
When he pulled for Alton Ellis' Breaking Up is Hard to Do, the audience volunteered as the choir, and his follow-up of another favourite - Willow Tree, saw the high achievers of team members representing the Sandals/ATL Group, acknowledging that he was there to sing specifically for them.
His performance and appearance were fitting for the dinner and awards ceremony, which saw 26 employees from across Jamaica and the Caribbean vying for the ultimate title, in addition to a purse of US$20,000 ($2.6 million), fully paid vacation and private jet transfers. This was copped by Jardine Vassell, a supervisor in the Beaches Ocho Rios SnapShots Department.
Like the winners in the room, Virgo showcased his enormity on stage, linking those in the running with the common thread excellence.
When he belted the words to the song he wrote at age 17, Can't Sleep, then moved into Beres Hammond's Feel Good, he had the audience going wild.
Chatty Chatty, a combination with Chris Martin and Dutty Heart, which he crafted with Agent Sasco, cemented the fact that he is the ultimate entertainer.
Virgo's appearance was complemented by scintillating performances by members of the Sandals Oco Rios team, which included a choreographed piece to Bishop Briggs' River, and Hallelujah by Shelly-Dean Bartley and Shanet Mesaam.
Phylea Carley, who can be found at the Speakeasy Bar at Sandals Ochi, opened the night's event.
MC extraordinaires Marsha-Ann Brown and Weston Haughton were a hit with the audience, giving them much more than they bargained for.