Unity in the City has grown from being held at the Indoor Sports Centre to the National Stadium of Jamaica. Safe to say, it is now positioned as one of the Caribbean’s biggest events.
This past Monday, something almost as huge as a World Cup qualifying match went on at the National Stadium. The event gathered multitudes from all over the country to come and “party for unity ”.
“This is by far one of the greatest concerts I have ever been to in Jamaica!” This was a second-row Diamond patron opinion expressed during the show. Yes, it is true; the National stadium, filled with thousands of supporters, could hardly contain their emotions at the end of each performance at the Unity in the City concert.
What is Unity in the City?
The Unity in the City concert is a variant of the Unity Movement for Peace, organized by SWOT Business Solution and was launched last year in Jamaica. The movements mission statement is to create an avenue to engage culture and impact cities and the nation as a whole by executing only world-class, sold-out events that promote wholesome family entertainment and peace.
Performances
This year, the Unity in the City event marks the launch of the Caribbean’s leg of the Travis Greene World Tour. The event also featured gospels royalty Israel Houghton and the beloved New Breed, multiple award winning JJ Hairston and Youthful Praise, and Jamaican gospel trailblazers Jermaine Edwards, Kevin Downswell and DJ Nicholas.
But it was show openers Kimola Brown Lowe; Christina Roshay and Kevin Heath that started the charge, each giving electrifying performances.
Kimola Brown Lowe. Kevin Heath. Christina Roshay
DJ Nicholas followed pursuit with a foot stomping high-energy performance. He ministered favorites such as “Holy Ghost Gym”, “Devine Mathematics”, and “Back To Di Owner” among others. Kevin Downswell came next with an unforgettable performance. He performed hits after hits including: “I Feel Like Running”, “Good Bye World”, “If Its Not You”, “All The Way”, “You Make Me Stronger” and “Not Afraid” featuring Rondell Positive who joined him on stage.
DJ Nicholas Kevin Downswell
Ambassador for the Unity Movement of Peace and one of the main faces behind the Unity in the City concert, Jermaine Edwards, came after with a soul stirring performance. He busted out hits like “Beautiful Day”, “Naah Bow”, “Hallelujah”, “My Champion” and “Make You Smile”. After his performance, Edwards told Harvest that though he was a little bit tired and exhausted from all the pre concert planning, he is happy for the support and love from is nation. He also added that based on the response to this years staging that next year promises to be bigger and better.
Jermaine Edwards
The “Reckless Love” singer Israel and New Breed was next in line - and from his energized band, to New Breed, to the set list, Israel laid it all down on the stage. Making up his set list was: “You Are Good”, “Mighty to Save”, and ”, In Jesus Name”. He also ministered a slew of worship hits such as “Your Presence is Heaven”, “Here I Am to Worship”, “To Worship You I Live” and “Alpha and Omega. The Queen of Gospel in Jamaica Chevelle Franklyn also joined him on stage to perform the reggae ballad “Surely Goodness and Mercy”.
Chevelle Franklyn joins Israel Houghton on stage to perform "Surely Goodness and Mercy" from Israel's Power of One Album.
Gospel’s energizer bunny JJ Hairston backed by the incomparably Youthful Praise came after and slayed in the presence of God. They delivered a soul moving set singing songs such as “Incredibly God Incredibly Praise, “Lord You’re Mighty” and everyone’s favorite “You Deserve It”.
JJ Hairston
Show closer Travis Greene came after with a show stopping performance. “The Hill”, “Intentional”, “You Waited”, “Worship Rise” and “Here For You” was some of the songs that made the cut on his set list. Throughout his performance he kept on showing gratitude to the people of Jamaica for continued support. Yes, the Jamaicans really have a special love for Travis Greene.
Travis Greene
Blakka Ellis and Ity Ellis, Za Zan and Mr. Handsome gave comedic performances respectively throughout the night.
The second staging of Unity in the City was a huge success. A round of applause must be given to the sponsors and organizers who contributed to this.
Travis Greene Crossover Live from the Caribbean Tour is set to visit Grenada, Trinidad, Antigua, Grand Cayman, Barbados, and the Bahamas throughout April.