Left: Dr Michael Abrahams was a hit with his impersonation of Bruce Golding announcing 'Bangarang Tuesdays' at Seh Sup'm, held at the Village Blues Bar, Barbican Road, St Andrew, on Sunday night. Right: Randy McLaren makes his debut as the 'Cultural Activist' on Sunday night. - Mel Cooke photos

Close to the end of the Kingston on the Edge (KOTE) 2010 edition of Seh Sup'm, host Izemi-Clem introduced Dr Michael Abrahams to do 'The Address to the Nation'. It was not his first performance at the Village Blues Bar, Barbican Road, St Andrew. However, after Abrahams kept his back to the audience as he conferred with Izemi-Clem, it was announced that he was in character. Naturally, it was expected that he would address the audience as such from the get-go.

The character, Prime Minister Bruce Golding, was clear as Abrahams turned to face the audience. The topic, entertainment in the Jamaican capital in the aftermath of happenings in west Kingston and during the state of emergency, unfolded to the utter delight of the audience.

lack of facial expression

With the 'prime minister's' trademark level tones, lack of facial expression and systematic head movement, Abrahams spoke to the cessation "of Passa Passa and the void in the dancehall", pausing but not coming out of character as members of the audience clamoured for him to start again but, picking up where he left off from when he resumed.

"I crave your understanding, beg your forgiveness". I asked God to guide me," Abrahams said, going on to run through the Kingston weekly party list, noting there was no dance on a Tuesday. So, after consultation with the party organisation and venues 'Golding' said "I decided to throw my hat into the dancehall arena". The result: "Bangarang Thursdays." The audience exploded in laughter as Abrahams extended his arms.

A number of crews are invited to the session, which takes place near Gordon House; among them Kern of the Light House Crew and Desmond of the Big Rahtid House Crew. But while a variety of drinks will be on sale, 'Golding' said "obviously there will be no Coke".

Abrahams ended with a "good night, God bless you all" and left the stage straight-faced, still in character. The audience hollered and Izemi-Clem declared his loss for words.

good quality

The guest performances, around which were sprinkled the open mic contributions, were varied in content and format, yet consistent in good quality. Diana McCaulay read two segments from her debut novel, Dog-Heart.

Randy McLaren stepped out firmly as the 'Creative Activist', supported by a sole drummer and referring at a few points to a laptop, utilising his multiple performance skills - including dipping into television newsman Michael Sharpe's voice.

And Carolyn Allen and Fabian Thomas, with M'Bala on drums and percussions, did excerpts from Dennis Scott's 'After-Image', including 'Apocalypse Dub', 'Uncle Time', 'Epitah', 'Guard Ring' and the title poem to end.

There was a serving of reggae love songs from Mario Evon, starting with Turn Your Lights Down Low (he sang the Lauryn Hill rap section), following with a couple originals and closing on a John Legend-ary note with Stephanie Wallace. Monique 'Mogi' Gilpin's striking photographs were shown on the screen to complete an all-round arts experience at Seh Sup'm, KOTE edition.