'Rupee' not enough for Guyanese insomniacs
Stabroek News
January 27, 2004

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Getting down! 'Rupee' (left) and one of his fans on stage at the Insomnia show at Thirst Park on Saturday night.

Insomnia was evident at Thirst Park last Saturday night as 'Rupee' fans refused to leave when the concert ended.

Two hours of 'Rupee' was just a warm-up for the fans and it was left to Fusion Sound System to cool them down after the Barbardian performer thanked them and left the stage in the wee hours of Sunday morning.

Rupert 'Rupee' Clark opened his performance at 12:30 am with the high energy "Jump", enticing several into competing to see who could jump higher.

'Rupee's' fans responded with exuberance as he dished out Soca, R&B and dub selections. "Insomnia", which was without doubt was one of the crowd's favourites, got them going and they helped him sing "Give Thanks". 'Rupee' also did some songs from his new album 'This is Rupee.com'

At different segments of the show, the artiste invited some of his fans on stage to show him how "Guyanese get down".

The show kicked off at 10 pm while a side show erupted as desperate patrons tried to purchase last-minute tickets in what was supposed to be a queue. Touts seized the opportunity to make a profit on the $1,300 tickets, selling them for $1,800.

The two sound systems, Fusion and Rhythm Star, created the mood for an exciting show.

Before 'Rupee' took to the stage, local artistes showcased their calypso, soca and road march tunes for the upcoming Mashramani Day menu.

Mingles Sound Machine was the first to entertain the crowd as Compton Hodge who is competing for both the calypso and road march crowns did his "Balloon City" and "Umbrella Party" tunes, urging patrons to arm themselves with balloons come Mashramani Day.

A shock wave seemed to hit the crowd when Carlos 'Lucky B' Williams made his way on stage to perform "Why De Hell Ya Wanna Dis Guyana" and "It's Mashramani time".

Next was Adrian Dutchin with "Permission" and "Fete and Fire", and was accompanied by girls in short tennis skirts and white tops, dancing with young men. 'Spiderman' then took over with his song "Fyah Gettin Hotter".

Hits and Jams, which brought 'Rupee' to Guyana, said 'Insomnia' was just the first event on its Mashramani calendar.

Upcoming events include the Soca Jeans Party on February 7, the Colour Party on February 14, the Glow Party on February 21, the Mash Day parade, as well as the Mash Wash Down on February 24.