Someone asked me “how was the show?” and my response was slow in coming. The “show” being referenced was Ronald “Boo” Hinkson’s annual signature event “Show the World.”
My hesitancy to respond had nothing to do with a shortage of superlatives. It was just that, I would not describe it as “a show,” but more of an exhilarating experience that transpired at the Sandals Grande ballroom on Saturday November 30, 2024.
One of the highpoints for me (and there were many) was when Boo introduced a young singer, formerly Calypsonian “Floopsy” who now goes by the name Everton. He had the audacity to perform Prince’s “Purple Rain”.
Oh but what a deftly delightful take of the song he delivered, accompanied by Boo’s stirring guitar solo. It reminded me of when Darius Rucker attempted the same at Saint Lucia Jazz in 2003. As a true Prince fan, I was well pleased. However, wait, I think I am straying and getting ahead of myself, so let us get back to the start.
From the moment one stepped into the William Clinton Ballroom on the night, the décor shouted that something spectacular was about to happen.
Attendees matched the décor with much pizzaz and one would have thought this was an inauguration ball. And maybe it was!
When Ronald “Boo” Hinkson joined the band on stage for the opening instrumental piece in his white and black ballroom jacket, resounding applause, usually reserved for a finale ensued.
I believe on that night the performer was endorsed and sworn in as the president of the music fraternity and the unfeigned social consciousness that Saint Lucia is crying out for.
After welcoming attendees he described as friends and family, the “production” then flowed flawlessly, narrated by the performer.
The night included a range of genres: Calypso, Jazz, R&B, Reggae, snf Groovy Soca. A range of instruments accompanied this too, played by some amazing Saint Lucian musicians and Trinidad’s multi-reed man Tony Paul.
The evening was also interspersed with some light humour from “Boo” and the stirring of emotions as he reminded that our purpose in life is to help others reach their true potential.
Boo showed the way that night by being the “power of example,” to borrow the title of one of his songs.
He reintroduced the audience to Michael Fletcher a gifted young violinist, who many first encountered at last year’s event. Before performing a couple of Afrobeat pieces, Fletcher revealed that since Boo had thrown the spotlight on him, his phone had not stopped ringing.
Then there was Chaz a talented young pannist who joyfully performed “Air Pocket,” penned by Boo for the occasion.
The vocalists on the night were not to be outdone, including Ace and Christa Bailey doing Boo’s “My Good Day,” Semi Francis with “I am Blessed”, Denisha Marshall’s take of “Natural Woman” and Everton as I mentioned earlier who also rocked out Santana’s “Smooth.”
A “sound bowl” tribute by Dr. Tanya Destang for the former CEO of the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority Lorraine Charles- St. Jules, who recently passed, had the audience in awe and Boo in tears.
Boo also drew attention to autism by inviting a young Kyan Gabriel (who is ASD) on stage. His wish to play the guitar with the performer was granted and Gabriel played “Stand by Me” – quite a fitting song, as the audience sang along.
Show the World would not be complete without a “Tru Tones” classic and TC Brown did justice to “Foreign Journalist,” the audience now on their feet singing and dancing.
Before the showstopping climax, Boo invited Darren Sammy and the reigning carnival queen and Miss Jaycees Caribbean Shan Lucien on stage as he highlighted Saint Lucia’s many achievements for 2024, accompanying images flashing on a big screen.
To complete the celebration, Arthur Allain started the hoisting of the national flag with “Who I am” and Sly fittingly took the baton with “Damn Proud Lucian” with everyone now on their feet in a moment of pure euphoria.
After the last note had sounded and “Boo” said “goodnight thank you for coming,” hardly anyone left. Sure, there was something about an after party, food and drinks were in abundance, but the incentive to stay back seemed intangible.
If I may posit, many stayed clearly impressed by what they had witnessed and wanted to simply socialise as they savoured the moment at this single great event of the year, “Show the World 6.”
I read somewhere that the number six represents balance and embracing self-expression.
In numerology, it is all about love, creating harmony, and taking care of others.
Ronald Boo Hinkson embodied all of this and more at the sixth edition of “Show The World” billed as “the dance edition”. Moreover, on the night, not only was there dancing but an outpouring of a consciousness, evoked by one of our own at a magnum opus of an experience.
Boo is such a great musician. I rate this gentleman greatly. He is down to earth, humble, very helpful and just an all round incredible human being. I feel we don’t honour our great men and women enough when they are alive, then lionize them when they have transitioned to the ancestors. But we should cherish the talent, the creativity, the genius, the craft that these men and women engender. They works should be on display for all to see and enjoy. I hope these events are recorded for posterity. And the authorities must do more for the creatives in our society by giving them a platform to display their craft. We should have golden stars lined the pavements along the waterfront with the names of our great men and women stamped on it. Of course I borrowed that idea …🤪
I have been this show every year as far back as I can remember….the only show worth my money..period! Nice crowd, pleasant ambience and above all fantastic display of the performing arts aka live music from the best out of Saint Lucia ..ie Boo. The man is so comfortable with his weapon, the guitar; engaging the crowd after every performance to some real inspirational talk about his journey and his quest to help upcoming musicians and singers….that for me is so admirable. His selfless personality is nothing short of heroic and humble. Man is a living legend and I am happy I have been witnessing the splendor of his art….till next year “if God spare” as they say.