Ciara
@ Pigeon Island, St. Lucia Jazz Festival
12 May 2006

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The scenery near this venue entrance alone is enough to take your breath away. Your senses are bombarded by the smell of chicken, fish and other freshly prepared delicacies on offer. You cannot ignore ‘or not admire’ the sight of multi-coloured stalls and multi-coloured homemade items on display by local sellers, who proudly parade their wares. Illuminated trees and historical ruins silhouette against the revamped hooded stage (to cater for all types of weather).

Just a brief appearance from’ The first lady of Crunk’ – Ciara, on a balcony during an impromptu interview was enough to set off her lively fans. My eardrums are still bleeding! Personally I cannot see what the fuss is about. I have seen this all before. Ciara reminds me of an anorexic Janet Jackson. Her dance moves and sultry glances are all reminiscent of Miss Jackson (or is it Mrs Jackson this week). I can’t keep up. Of course if you are under ten years of age, this may be a new phenomenon to you.

Grumpy old man observation set-aside – Ciara is photogenic and her set is visually appealing to both young and the ‘slightly less young’. Within the first minute, one-two-step Ciara and her athletic dancers must have danced a thousand steps, much to the delight of her fans, who by now surged forward to fill the isles and any space between seats. Remaining seated Parents looked on rather confused and concerned at the explosion of young faces at the front of the stage. A few minutes earlier these same parents where under the spell of saxophonists Everette Harp and Nelson Rangell. Now their children had taken over.

Ciara’s sexual energy is perfect for the St. Lucian heat and humidity. Her young fans were not concerned in the slightest that she sang over backing tracks as she danced and flirted – and why should they. They were there to watch, witness and enjoy. As a father myself, it was refreshing to see the younger generation express and enjoy themselves, but also behave. (Perhaps because many parents were still present). I was a little concerned to witness girls under the age of ten singing songs about ‘finding the right boy’ and lost love. I do not remember singing about ‘finding the right girl’ at that age!

Report by
Robin Francis