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July 24, 2007
Mary J. Blige Pours Her Heart Out on Sumfest Stage
By Olimatta Taal
"Everybody has baggage from past relationships but it's unfair to put all those problems on your new partner," explained Mary J. Blige as she strut from one side of the Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest stage to the other on Saturday, July 21 2007.
This was just a part of Blige's series of wise words that targeted thousands of women attending Sumfest's Zenith Night, who had been hurt, abused, used, heartbroken, and disappointed in their lives. Blige took the audience on a musical journey representing past turbulent times of her life to the current, happy, stable state she is living in now.
The crowd ate out the palm of her hands, especially the women, who eagerly listened to Blige's testimonies while singing along to their favorite tunes as if it was their personal anthems. She sang some of her best hits with lots of energy and passion like Real Love, Happy, My Life, You Bring Me Joy, Going Down and other signature songs.
Beres Hammond was a favorite as well, as young ladies gathered at the front of the stage to just touch the lover’s rock legend. Shrill screams from women could be heard at different points in the songs that Beres delivered. His performance took a playful turn when he invited Beenie Man, who was watching the show from the front of the stage - on stage to perform
Tanya Stephens’ set was fun and mischievous as she boasted about being the other woman through song and discussion. It was Richie Spice who put some spice in the show with hits Brown Skin, Marijuana and Earth A Run Red. Taurus Riley proved to be a legend in the making as he delivered She’s Royal, Beware, and other great songs. Tessanne shared her vocal range and Rootz Underground jammed. The night opened with Mackie Conscious and Bonafide.
Around 5:00am, host Paula Ann Porter and Francois St. Juste entertained the crowd as they patiently awaited the tribute to Llyod Parks and We The People Band. Some of the best foundation artistes were featured like: Half Pint, Leroy Sibbles, Mighty Diamonds, Pinchers, and Tiger. Zenith proved to be another apex of Sumfest.