Winston Sill-Scenes from 'Bembe Orientation' party, held at Weekenz, Constant Spring Road on Thursday.

By Krista Henry,Staff Reporter

It was past the usual 2 a.m. cut off time that 'Bembe Orientation: the Ultimate School Uniform Party' made its presence felt last Thursday at Weekendz.

The party began to pop when three ladies, dressed in their 'school uniforms' of a white shirt and extra-short pleated yellow and green skirt, took the Bembe stage. The ladies, who ZJ Liquid identified as Latisha and Dalia, wined at an abnormal speed as they split and moved in coordination. Liquid played a blazing set, having fun with the music and making the patrons dance. They were soon joined on stage by two ladies in black, one of whom stood on her head and acrobatically moved her feet to Munga's Brace.

The women 'worked it like a factory' and showed off their 'seductive wine' before it was the men's dancing time. By 2:30 a.m., when Bembe selector Richie Feelings took over the sound, it was 'boom' time as the dancers were spotlighted and did the latest dance moves.

The dance group, Ravers Clavers, was also in the house causing a commotion of coordinated moves as they showcased the 'boasty bounce'. It was only at 3 a.m. that persons finally began filing out of the venue.


usual good vibe

Before that, when the STAR team arrived after 11 p.m. Bembe was its usual good vibe. Back from the rumblings and disturbances of the last two weeks, the selectors were in full gear as Razz, of the duo Razz and Biggy, started off a slow beat with oldies rap before drawing for lovers rock with She's Royal, Love and Affection and Serani's She Loves Me. An overcast night threatened the success of 'Orientation' but patrons showed they would brave the rain to be schooled.

At this point, a steady stream of persons were slowly filing in, although it was a themed party hardly any one wore school uniforms. Some men, however, wore khaki pants, and a few women tantalised with short pleated skirts and ties.

Before long, the venue was rocking away as Razz shouted "All di man dem who know who par wid girls a galist, all di man dem wha par wid man a bn" and got forwards as he went into Fren Fish.

DJ Chromatic followed, switching to a little pop and R&B putting the women to Bed before hitting the right note with Doh and a slew of hits from Mavado, Kartel and others, including Elephant Man, whose colourful hair could be seen at the back of the venue.

By 1 a.m., the venue was jam packed as patrons danced and enjoyed themselves at yet another successful 'Bembe Orientation'.