ANY harboured misconceptions that the two-year absence of `Byron Lee and the Dragonaires' from Guyana had cost him his numerous fans, were undoubtedly erased Saturday night when thousands thronged Thirst Park to welcome the return of the King of Soca and Reggae
The show was dubbed "The Return of the Dragons" and the presentation tasted like vintage wine. For some six hours, with just an hour for intermission, Byron Lee and his Dragonaires had the all-age crowd of Guyanese revellers literally on a fitness programme.
The presentation included dances such as 'The Macoo', `Head Nah Good', `Run From the Police', Elephant Man's `Pun the River, Pun de Bank', the 'Michael Jackson' and 'The Tattie'.
There were also popular renditions such as Bob Marley's 'One Love'; `Rum Til I Die' (during which, patrons were asked to prominently display their bottles of spirits above their heads); `You Pagalee, You Stupidy'; some compositions from Glen Washington and a number of other top dancehall performers.
In the process, the colourfully dressed fans, most of whom had heeded the entertainers' advice to don comfortable footwear, waved Guyana flags, 151 bandannas and multi-coloured rags. At one stage, women sporting wigs and hairpieces were urged to take them off and wave them. Some happily obliged.
And in a fitting gesture of appreciation for his contribution to the development of Caribbean music, the National Heritage Promotions, which organises and stages the annual Miss Guyana African Heritage Pageant, presented a beautiful trophy to the visiting entertainer.
Byron Lee, who has been in the music industry for some 46 years, began his career as a student of St George's College, Jamaica.
The lovely Ms Ginesta David, Miss Guyana African Heritage Pageant 2003, graciously handed over the trophy, which bore the legend, "Byron Lee - the Most Consistent Cultural and Music Ambassador".
The gesture of appreciation seemed to touch the Caribbean music man profoundly. Usually at shows, he would be seen manning the console, leaving this task only to receive the homage of spectators and to strum a little on his bass guitar. When Coordinator and Producer of the African Heritage Pageant, Mr Lorri Alexander made the announcement on stage, the legendary music maestro seemed taken by genuine surprise. He later expressed his heartfelt thanks at the gesture.
Singer Oscar `B', who has earned a special place in the hearts of Guyanese over the last decade, was in rib-tickling form as he portrayed how some women are "Macoo" by gossiping and minding other people's business.
Guyanese band member `Jomo', popularly known as "Rubber Waist" for his ability to gyrate, was tasked with teaching the crowd how to `Run From Police'. He emphasised that those doing the dance must know how to run swiftly while glancing over their shoulders from time-to-time. And how the crowd did enjoy that demonstration!
Much to the delight of the sea of revellers, Jomo introduced a brief session of 'Oldies' and, immediately, Thirst Park was transformed into a giant, open-air ballroom, with men courteously asking women to do them the honours. Ironically, some women also approached males and asked them to dance!
The lone female singer Ms Lima Calbio made certain the women were well represented, while Cedric Poiter, nephew of famous American actor Sydney Poiter, and new band addition Roger George of Xtatic of Trinidad fame, also made contributions.
George had the crowd in stitches when he mimicked Michael Jackson's stage antics. He was followed by the local 'Monkey Man', who depicted the actions of a monkey down the monkey's fondness for eating bananas.
Prior to the appearance of Bryon Lee and the Dragonaires, Mingles Sound Machine with lead singer Compton Hodges of `Umbrella Party' fame ensured that the crowd was well pumped up for the sensational visitors.