The Tribune

By LESH

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

THIS Friday, the vocal ensemble sensation known as Shaback will join local dignitaries, social pundits, educators, presenters, youth organisations, clubs and community agencies to promote peace and unity in the country through an event called “One Nation”.

The highly anticipated event, set to take place at the Melia Nassau Beach Resort’s convention centre beginning 7.30pm, is expected to see over 950 children and young adults from Nassau and the Family Islands join hands and hearts in saying ‘no more’ to crime and senseless deaths.

The event will also be recorded on DVD and a CD produced by Shaback. 
The group, Shaback Ministries International, will also use the opportunity to educate the public at large that it is only through peace – an absence of violence against women and men, children and young adults, against the elderly, the disadvantaged and the vulnerable – that the country can take back their homes, communities, schools and heal the nation.

Guest artists from the Bahamas on this project include the Leading Ladies of Gospel, Najie Dun, Christian Massive, Halle, The Gospel Boys, DJ God’Son and Lyrically Blessed.

The international artists include Nikki Potts from the Kurt Carr singers, Lawrence C Jones, the lead guitarist from Fred Hammond’s band, along with Derrick Starks, who will be the project producer.

“This event hopes to drive home the idea that unity isn’t only about looking alike, or sounding alike but it’s also about the similarities of our concerns and where we place them simultaneously, it’s about the things we care about,” said Simone Bridgewater, Shaback’s public relations and marketing representative.

“We can be as different as night and day, but persons living in the east care about the educational system just as much as persons living in the south. The intangible and tangible things that unify us are important, and in a time where crime, social, political economic upheaval would emphasise our differences, music seems to be the glue that brings us together.”

Ms Bridgewater said it is Shaback’s goal to give the public an experience in gospel music that excludes no one, an event that reconnects all to traditional roots and their Caribbean background. With the R&B sounds of gospel artists Halle and Naje Dunn, and the smooth reggae of Christian Massive and Lyrically Blessed, Shaback hopes to close the gap between gospel and secular musicians in the Bahamas, sending the message that we are all one.

“The journey that has brought Shaback here is one God ordained, inspired and ordered. We are hoping to emphasise to the young people who are in constant flux in understanding their differences and accepting others in their individuality that violence is never the way, it is never the option; that there is a better way,” said Ms Bridgewater.

“We want to send the message that any type of violence or abuse, whether physical, mental or emotional, is not accepted and won’t ever be accepted. Bullying and gang warfare are unacceptable. It is only through an attitude of peace and actions of love can we change the tide in this Bahamaland. Love is still the more excellent way.”

To the question as to why should people attend the concert, Ms Bridgewater said Shaback has kicked their skills up a notch and placed more focus, effort and time on creating and packaging a product that will impress audiences this Friday. With eight months of consistent, focused practice on all original songs, she said the group has put in the work to release a perfected product.

“We want and need to see change in our country and we believe that a sound has the power to do just that. Being a part of this event with your attendance represents a stand for change, a stand for unity and a stand for a better Bahamas. This project is really not about the group, but about the nation that we want to see changed,” said Ms Bridegwater.

She said patrons can expect a little of everything – some Caribbean beats, Junkanoo bass, pop and R&B, soca, contemporary ballads, traditional hymns, and praise and worship.

“With almost every musical genre represented, there is no reason why anyone can exclude themselves from this event as there is something for everyone. The set-up alone will be dynamic with silhouette backgrounds, eclectic draping, intense sound engineering, comfortable seating, a panorama view of the stage and band pit; the outline will be expansive,” said Ms Bridgewater.
She said Shaback is also excited about their tour this year, which will take them to places like Detroit, Atlanta and Chicago over a period of two weeks.

In the US, the group will visit and minister to the local religious communities in addition to paying their respects to the Bahamian Consulate in Atlanta.
In the fall, Ms Bridegewater said Shaback will begin working on hosting the Nassau Choir Workshop in New Providence and in the Family Ilands. This will be a collaboration of some 50 plus churches and religious organisations in a week of teaching, spiritual development and community.