The late Ms. Sonia Moodie, wife of record producer/sound system owner Donald “Don One” Moodie, was given a fitting tribute on Saturday June 16, inside the Amazuru Nightclub in New York. Mrs. Moodie who helped a number of recording artistes and performers during her lifetime, died in April 2000. Many of the artistes with whom she was associated with over the years came out in numbers to pay tribute to her on the Don One Productions event, “Tribute to Mrs. Moodie.”

In what has been described as a really good effort, the show featured some great performances from established as well as up and coming acts. Artistes from Jamaica as well as those based in the New York tri-state area, gave their time and effort in making the event the success that it was.

Nadine Sutherland, who performed a song titled “Pair of Wings” (she had written it for Garnett Silk, and changed the words to tribute Mrs. Moodie), delivered a very appreciative performance. Also delivering nice sets were Freddie McGregor (whose medley of songs “Prophecy,” “Winner,” and “Let Him Try” had the lovers in the crowd hugging close to each other), the A-Team Band with Computer Paul and Junior Skatalite, and Luciano and the Firehouse Crew.

Don One recording artistes Tippa Ranks and Major Lee opened the show and set the pace for other acts including Future Trouble, Shinehead, Major Mackerel, Junior Demus, Alton Ellis, Anthony Malvo, Boom Danidmite and Nitty Kutchie, Dawn Penn, Glen Washington, Michael “Lick Shot” Palmer, Jigsy King, Delly Ranks and Anthony B, who each stamped their class on the event. LUST members Singing Melody, Thriller U and Tony Curtis performed a nice set, but they got a bit carried away on stage.

It was ironic that artistes in attendance as the sound system which “juggled” inside the club were there to honour the memory of someone who contributed significantly to the lives of many entertainers over the years, and yet some saw it as an opportune time to display their arrogance by dishing out derogatory lyrics and profanity. “Dem no have no respect fi the lady, them coulda ease off a di eediat ting fi the night,” some patrons were overheard complaining.

Luciano and the Firehouse Crew brought back some sanity to the proceedings and delivered a knockout punch of lyrics that sought to uplift and educate. Spragga Benz put in a cameo which had the crowd going wild.

Simon Templer and DJ Roy from Road International were emcees for the night. Part of the proceeds from the event will be donated to charities in Jamaica and in the New York area.

For photos of the press conference, please click here.