Representatives from both sides of the political fence were present on Saturday night to celebrate with PNP Councillor and record producer, Patrick Roberts at his birthday party hosted at his Springvale Avenue studio in St Andrew.
Comrades and ‘Shows’ did more than rub shoulders at the event, they took pictures together, danced and generally had fun as the selectors of Lovers Choice sound system tried to balance out the “big ups”. Initially, it was all about encouraging partygoers to show fist, a PNP sign, to salute the songs – “Dont be afraid to push oonu fists in di air” – but then DJ Chronicle switched things up.
“We ah go big up di ‘Show’ [reference to JLP supporters] … a nuh Comrade alone in here,” he announced.
He proceeded to name out representatives from various constituencies from Red Hill Road to Allman Town. “Patrick seh we fi shout oonu out … big up di Labourite dem!” the selector shouted.
Roberts was the perfect host, and he told THE STAR that his charming personality was one reason why there was such a great show of unity at his event.
“Honestly … it’s how you treat people and how others perceive you. And then my personality is something that they are very in tune with. I don’t practice hardcore divide and conquer politics. It’s one Jamaica and we all haffi live here. So it’s best we just support each other,” Roberts told THE STAR.
He noted that there were some persons who he was pleasantly surprised to see “because I know that they rarely go anywhere”.
“So I feel really good that they came to celebrate with me. And there are people like Venesha [Phillips] … she was always close to me, so I expect her to be here. Dem always seh we are like brother and sisters from different mothers and despite she making the cross over, it never affected the friendship,” Roberts shared.
Phillips definitely had the energy and she was the first person to direct the selectors to replay a big tune with a money pull-up. Others would follow throughout the night, with the biggest money pull-up of the party being the PNP rallying song that had the entire party jumping.
“Every Comrade, every Labourite, every Christian love this song!” the selector said before dropping Blood & Fyah Comrade Marching to Victory. Phillips led her contingent on the song and through a playful wave-off from both sides as they danced.
“There’s nothing like music to bring people together,” said Roberts, who explained that it was important for him to “keep up” his birthday this year.
“Every year I used to have a party, but I haven’t keep it up for the past three years. My sisters overseas supported me on this and my big sister from England flew in for the event. Family, friends, drinks food and good music. What more could I ask for. Give thanks for life,” said Roberts, whose birthday was September 20.
With his party planning over, the Ghetto Splash co-founder is turning his full attention to the December staging of the event.
