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L.A. Lewis' Greatest Queen

Jamaica’s biggest hype master was at it again recently. Graffiti artist extraordinaire L.A. Lewis vowed that come Friday September 12, 2008, he would be launching his latest single featuring a collab with his good ‘friend’ Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II!

Invitations went out to every major media house, celebrities and even a few diplomat missions. All were hand delivered by Lewis himself who promised them an all inclusive party the likes of which they have never seen before. All they had to do was show up in an all white ensemble and bring their V.I.P invitations as those without an invite would be asked to make a ‘small’ contribution of $37,000!

Sara lawrence, L.A. Lewis, Jade Lee

He emphasized that the launch party would not be your average run-of-the-mill affair but an exclusive lobster and champagne event where the crème de la crème would converge to toast to a unique collaboration of his creativity and the queen’s sovereignty. Well the actual event was far from what was billed.

With the chosen venue being the Olympia Crown Hotel along Molynes Road a few eyebrows were raised but most accepted the invitation to party like rock stars anyway. The scheduled 7pm start time saw a few early birds making their way in but were greeted by a security guard who informed them that the ballroom was not yet ready and asked them to wait in the lobby, one which had a single ceiling fan in the extreme right corner.

Needless to say guests were sweating profusely in a matter of minutes and had to go stand outside. Half hour went by, then an hour and they watched hotel staff and Lewis’ crew go up and down the stairs with chairs, plastic cups, bags, ice etc. confirming that the room was just being prepared! After a two hour wait guests were finally allowed inside the room. During this period many who had come out left out of frustration.

At a quarter past nine, emcees Jade Lee and former Miss Jamaica World Sara Lawrence got things rolling inviting percussionist Bongo Herman on stage. Armed with his bag of musical tricks he showed them how in the good old day musicians had to be creative in the studio, producing such items as a grater, a clothes hanger and even cow bells. As he pulled out each item, the delighted crowd shouted ‘Gwaan’. He then performed some oldies but goodies in the form of ‘Rocksteady’, ‘Let them Try’ and ’Oh DC’. Herman then appealed to Jamaicans not to ‘bun out’ the Queen and her family since Prince Charles asked specifically to meet and play the drums with him during his last visit to Jamaica.

A mini fashion show featuring swimsuits and daywear crochet designs by Princess Alicia ensued with models from skinny to plus size strutting out to music provided by Geefus of Stone Love. Internationally recognized Jamaican opera singer Dr. Curtis Watson was also on the bill but it was obvious he was not in the best of health and upon sitting down in front of the piano he confirmed this, stating that his doctors advise him against being at the event but he came to show his respect to Lewis nevertheless. He then did an original song in tribute to our athletes called ‘Jamaica Land of Ackee & Saltfish’.

Comedians Ity and Fancy Cat brought the house down with their reference to those who came out despite hearing that the charge without an invite was $37,000. During this time Lewis and his entourage took up their seat on an elevated platform at the front where he sipped on scotch whiskey ‘Swig’ and watched the proceedings. Later he explained that the money collected would go towards charity. “The party thing nuh really frighten me as I charged that to kinda restrict who would come in but I want to big up all the people who came to support me.

This launch is about a fabulous lady, my good friend Queen Elizabeth who we will called ‘Saboulious’ meaning greater than great. This is a new word soon to be found in my dictionary which we will soon be launched. A lot of people don’t study anything so they don’t know that Queen Elizabeth is royalty that free up a lot countries. So my song is to show her that we still love her.” He then asked everyone to stand as he premiered the single ‘Greatest Queen’ said to contain actual vocal imput from the Queen herself, to thunderous applause.

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