ESP News

A Big Big Thank You!

Entertainment Sound Productions is  pleased to announce our Official Opening of ESP and Myoho Recording Studio which occurred on Monday the 12th of October, 2020.

 All preparations had been set. And apart from a few last minute errands, the ESP core team got into gear and rose to face this very special day. The weather was brilliant. It started with clouds, sunshine, grey skies and even rain in the morning. However by the time the Brothers and Sisters of the Nyabinghi Tabernacle arrived, a tad late compared to schedule, the sun was again shining through. 

With the early arrival of some media crew and our PRO Jackie Cherebin-Weekes, a few interviews were conducted even before our official start. The ceremony eventually  commenced with Blessings; chanting and drumming courtesy of the Nyabinghi assembly, followed by a Buddhist Prayer recited by ESP’s Owner and Director Lyttleton Valmont, with the explanation of his prayer choice being that ‘this event is a manifestation of his personal prayer regarding his dream and contribution towards music in his homeland Saint Lucia.’ Saint Lucia’s leading folk musician Augustin Julian, known by most as ‘Charley’ of the group Manmay La Kay, respectfully did the honour of the first performance with his rendition of our National Anthem on violin. Welcoming remarks were provided by  Co Owner and Director, Ella Anya Nurse who reiterated to the audience the company vision and mission of ‘making a positive change towards the development of our society through (our) music while promoting peace and inspiring others  to utilize music and art for such good.’

Saint Lucian Jazz icon and music ambassador saxophonist Luther François, who had been invited months ahead of the occasion, and had already accepted the honour of doing the Ribbon Cutting ceremony, was unable to do so due to him being off island. He however provided warm words of respect and encouragement which were emailed and read out to the audience on his behalf by Jackie Cherebin-Weekes. Luther’s  younger brother,  jazz drummer Ricardo François was pleased to do the cutting of the ribbon in his brother’s absence. 

With much cheering, joyous  laughter, and rejoicing, the performances began. The entire event was being streamed online and could be viewed live via Youtube link, and also on our Entertainment Sound Productions Facebook page. EMPRESS ILLA was first to grace the stage – actually the ‘Live Room,’ performing her brand new song entitled: ‘What Jah Put Together.’ This opening number was written as she says; “for ESP all about ESP.” The next performer was introduced, and new artist NOAH came on strongly with his two songs which included a mesmerizing performance of his debut single ‘Claire.’ The brother STONE then debuted his first original soon to be released track called ‘Game Changer,’ a touching dedication to George Floyd. Up next was none other than the fabulous CARL GUSTAVE on guitar, keeping our audience  intrigued while he rolled through his three numbers ‘At the Seaside,’ ‘Change is Good’ and ‘ Won’t Be Waiting’. Afterward, veteran creole/english rapper currently known as MANGLA performed the first of his two songs, a folk infused hip-hop tune entitled ‘Mangla’. 

At this point a slight interjection of our program provided the pleasure of an impromptu performance by Jazz / Blues Guitarist Monty Maxwell and his son Shomari on keyboards, joined by Carl Gustave (guitar / vocals), Bassist Albert Eugene, Jesse Billy on drums and Clarence Joseph on trumpet. This satisfying set was immediately followed with MANGLA’s second item of a hyped up ‘Get Low – Get High’ explosive hip-hop rendition. The man YONACHAK then brought the house down with his much celebrated track ‘Mon Gimie,’ followed by a much enjoyed original Reggae tune ‘The People’ performed by RAS BONTE on guitar and vocals. We were then pleased to have our next artist  KINGDOM SOLDIER sharing his two songs with us, which were both well received. 

ESP was proud to introduce the next group of performers; Saint Lucia’s only straight-up Jazz musicians! First up was the band ANNEXUS comprising percussionist Ricardo François, Albert Eugene on bass and Jesse Billy on keyboards, followed by the EMERSON NURSE TRIO with Emerson on keyboards accompanied by Ricardo (drums) and Albert (bass) giving us their ever indulging riveting performance of pure Jazz vibrations.

Meanwhile, amidst all these performances, a few interviews were conducted between Jackie and various artists who performed on the day.  Giving the audience in attendance as well as online viewers a little insight on the lives of some of our artists. Also, our ESP Backyard Sessions were about to commence with the Reggae band KOSMIK RIDDIM blessing the stage. 

All guests were guided onto the outdoor grounds where the stage was set for yet another round of live performances! The ‘conscious beat’ kicked in as KOSMIK RIDDIM took us on a cool journey of roots music, featuring a beautifully penned rendition specially dedicated to our very own ‘Creole Jazz’ Specialist / Pioneer and recovering heart patient, Emerson Nurse. Bandleader ‘Aza’ John Polius then completed his set, with the announcing of the next performer EMPRESS ILLA – whom he would also be accompanying on guitar.

After a slight delay which involved the changing of on stage musicians etc, ILLA began her set with the performance of her debut single ‘For the Blessings,’ then moved into recently recorded ‘Mission Called Life’ and motivational tune ‘Gonna Get There.’ This was followed by songs from her soon to be released EP, namely ‘Keep The Fire,’ ‘Hold On’ and her conclusive message that ‘The Goal Won’t Change!’ The next artist on stage was John Antoine with a quick performance of his original music on playback, taking us into a brand new group – the band 24/7 featuring Juhri on lead vocals serenading the audience with a brief set.

Another ancient songwriter/vocalist RAS ICHUM delivered a powerful rendition of his new song called ‘Rainbow,’ prompting the crowd to sing along to his chorus “…Now it is the time to come together…” and definitely bringing a unified feeling of peace and love to the gathering. Up next on the program was ITY ROCK, old school conscious reggae artist with his brand new track ‘Head over Heels.’ He was preceded by REUBEN I, another roots Reggae soldier singing his recently penned ‘Searching’ – which was also well received by the robust numbers who chose to hang out with ESP beyond daylight hours.

The night was ‘lit’ at this point, and onstage was the duo RAS JUMBO and his comrade DANYUTE with a hot dance hall number ‘Who Can Be Strong?’  By now it was nearing  9pm and Saint Lucia’s outstanding Dub Poet RAS ISLEY captioned the evening with his two fiery numbers; ‘Reggae Calypso and Jazz in Ya Soul’ and ‘Look What You’re Doing To Me.’ 

Our guests were still present, milling about and fulljoying the atmosphere at ESP’s Official Launch. The last set took us to our scheduled ending of our wonderful display of quality and true talent. However, one last band who insisted on performing, the group BENIGN, was allowed to do so and seal off the day’s event with 15 minutes of solid Rock music.