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Trinidad was the third and final location for the TEMPO Turns One celebration, and if you missed our St. Croix coverage a month earlier, doh fret... we got exclusive videos for you! Now we told you way back to look out for big tings from TEMPO and TJJ, so of course we had to represent as foreign Jungle Juice crew touched down to link local crew to celebrate TEMPO's big birthday bash at the National Stadium on Saturday Dec 2nd.

Now, for big events like this, we can go on for ages since you know at times we love to get down to the real "nitty gritty". So, in efforts not to write an entire Anansi Story, we'll talk about the key areas along with the highlights and low points for the night.

EARLY VIBES & VENUE

Press check in is 8pm, gates opening at 9pm.... so, we pull up for 10pm. Hey, we not new to this and its Trini time we dealing with. Parking was no scene, and better yet, media got a park even closer to the entrance. There was a small number of people gathered outside the 1st security check, with folks liming around shooting the breeze. Why? Gates weren't open as yet. On the outside, there was a long red carpet leading up to the ticket collecters (under a huge TEMPO Turns One billboard), with a designated drop off point for artists and celebs at the top end. The theme for the event was "Party with the Stars... Party Like the Star-You-Are", and so far things looking like it set up right. While people were still waiting to get in, we decided to check out the inside. Besides the fact that some finishing touches were still being done, we must say the venue was laid out nicely. As you walked in, the red carpet continued along to the media area where both artists and partygoers could get their photos taken and interviewed by both TEMPO VJs and other media houses. This area had it's own DJ and was set up for artists to perform, which created a nice intimate setting. On the flip side, several folks who were away from the media area during the pre-show activities complained later on that there was no entertainment for them to enjoy as they waited for the main stage entertainment to start.

The main stage was properly elevated and faced both the general admission and VIP areas. What we particularly liked was the fact that although VIP was a little off to the side, there was an elevated area for folks to get a proper view. And the beach/outdoor umbrellas, along with the Christmas lights added a cozy ambience. Now with so much different areas and activities to cover on the night, we didn't get to spend much time in VIP. Waz dat one TJJ, right??!! But, from the 10 whole minutes we did spend we can say that getting drinks didn't seem like a problem with separate bars for your beer and hard alco drinkers. Premium drinks were also available in VIP. And in de same 10 mins, we also caught a live local 'kick up' action. We'll get back to this piece of action later.

PRE-SHOW

The night started off quite glamorous with TEMPO VJs Anuscha and Jeanille working the red carpet. Anuscha interviewed the artists on the outside red carpet as they pulled up, and Jeanille held things down on the inside red carpet. Artists were pouring in like rain, however, the flow of the red carpet was smooth. All special invited guests and artists were all smiles as they wished TEMPO a happy 1st birthday by putting up their index fingers for the cameras. Even Iwer George took ah piece of de action interviewing folks, relieving Anuscha for a short break. Miss Alysha, Mista Vybe, Michelle Sylvester, Lil Bitts, 3Suns and Kimba Sorzano were just some of the artists that blessed the red carpet with pre-show performances to the flashing camera lights of the paparazzi. As always, the ladies loved H2O Phlo's pre-show performance.... dem fellas could sing! After leaving the red carpet the celebs mixed and mingled with one another, as well as, their fans. It was truly the ultimate chance for fans to rub shoulders and party with our elite Caribbean celebs as promised by TEMPO. Much love goes out to all artists & management crew from TJJ.

PERFORMANCES

The line up was huge. International artists like Bermudan reggae star Collie Buddz, Jamaican dancehall groups Voicemail and Left Side & Esco and Bajan stars Alison Hinds and Rupee. Representing the homefront was Denise "Saucy Wow" Belfon, Patrice Roberts, Zan, Machel Montano & Xtatik and Trinidad Reggae All-Stars such as Jah Bami, King David, Levi Mayz and Khari Kill. Alison Hinds got things rolling, and was followed by Mr. Rupert Clarke aka Rupee. Large up we Baje family! Next was Denise Belfon. Oh, Saucy baby!! From the smallest to largest crowds, Saucy Wow always delivers a most entertaining performance. She not only give the audience her usual wassi wining moves, but demonstrated her new bicycle wine dance as she sang new 2007 soca release "Bicycle Wine". Fans loved it!!! On top of that, she brought surprise guest Kerwin Du Bois on to sing their 2k7 duo "De Rose & De Stem". Another big tune. After Sr. Vice President, General Manager and Founder of Tempo Frederick Morton's welcoming address and intermission, the show continued with the international reggae acts. You had your dancing instructions by Voicemail and Collie Buddz buss his big tune "Come Around". We telling you one time, Collie Buddz is a real talented artist and we expect nothing but big tings from him. Be sure to check out his music video for "Come Around" and our exclusive interview with him. After another intermission, it was TnT's #1 Soca band to take center stage around 3AM... Mr. Machel Montano and Xtatik. Get... Get... Get... Get... Get Delirious! If you have been following the band since AC 4 Trinidad, you would know what to expect from the "Band of the Year". But don't ever sleep on Machel. The man forever taking this Soca game to new heights! Towards the end of their performance, a full gospel choir come on stage and Machel gave a live debut of 2007 release "Higher Than High", which had a very spiritual feel and uplifting vibes. It reminded us of the MTV Video Music Awards when Puffy and Sting performed "Missing You" with the choir assembly. Mixing the old with the new, Machel alongside Farmer Nappy, Patrice Roberts and Zan sang all the hits, closing out their act with the ever so popular 2006 favourite "Band of the Year". We even got a live taste of Machel's big, big 2k7 tune "One More Time". To close out the main stage performances on the night were some of Trinidad's Reggae All-Stars in a most rushed performance as police were all set to honour the 4AM shut off time. Fans were not happy campers as some left all frustrated.

SUMMARY

The event started off with lots of promise, and we're not sure who's truly at fault (partygoers, security or promoters) but there were just too many fights on the night which took away from the "Party with the Stars... Party Like the Star-You-Are" theme, and left a sour taste in people's mouth. Allya misbehaving Trinis' totally inappropriate behavior was most embarrassing to our country. Not only did some nincompoop throw a bottle of water at Frederick Morton during his welcoming address, right after he was talking about Caribbean unity and togetherness, but then folks even start robbing and fighting one another. And we talking serious fight too!! Flying kick, rock to face, and woman and all in de mix!! Pressure!! Where was the event's security???!!!! So the lil' security and police that were present seemed most reluctant to intervene... and we doh blame dem one bit. Ehem hello, general admission... radio advertisements... plenty security is definitely a must have to keep things in check. Police did manage to eventually get things under control, but it was too little too late... the damage was already done. Whatever happen to the days when people use to go out to party and just enjoy themselves. Steeeeups. We'll learn as we grow, yes! TEMPO, don't let this discourage you, we love what you're doing! Let's end this on a positive note... TEMPO, thanks for allowing Trinidad to celebrate your 1st birthday and for the hospitality extended to TJJ. Although the TJJ crew was busy at work, we did manage to have a good time and look forward to celebrating again next year and beyond. Folks stand fast for TEMPO Turns One Trinidad video coverage.

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