Bermuda Ebooks & Travel Guides

2008 Bermuda Music Festival

Persons behind making the 2008 Bermuda Music Festival a grand success were Rock Newman of Gibraltar Promotions and local producer David Durham of Yoshi Productions. Shane Mora is another hero as a festival point man at the Bermuda Department of Tourism.

The Bermuda Music Festival, 2008 was bigger than ever for the performance of The Whispers, Solange, Lyfe Jennings, Beyonce, Collie Buddz, Ub40, Aaron Neville and Alicia Keys. The 2008 Bermuda Music Festival was hosted by an actor, comedian and a radio show host - Steve Harvey.

Steve Harvey is a TV star, syndicated morning radio host, movie star, a Clothing designer... the list goes on. The comedian hit the silver screens in 2004 with two movie releases: box-office smash "You Got Served" followed by "Johnson's Family Vacation."

Here is how the 2008 Bermuda Music Festival was celebrated:

Opening night of 2008 Bermuda Music Festival

The opening night was held at the Fairmont Southampton Beach Club, performed by R&B legends - The Whispers.

The Whispers, one of R & B music’s most beloved and consistently popular vocal groups, began their legendary and timeless career in 1963. They produced a string of hits over the last four decades and became famous as the leading romantic singers of their generation.

With one after another gold album and numerous R&B hits, including "Rock Steady", "And the Beat Goes On", "A Song For Donny", "Say Yes", and "It's a Love Thing" they have received awards from the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, Bay Area Blues Society, the San Francisco Regional Grammy Chapter and more.

Second night of 2008 Bermuda Music Festival

On the second night, the music festival shifted to the National Sports Center. The stage became vibrant by Lyfe Jennings and Solange Knowles.

Chester "Lyfe" Jennings, a native of Ohio, transformed the music world in 2004 after the release of his famous debut Lyfe 268-192. In 2006, his album The Phoenix captured a broad audience.

Solange Knowles , as a performer started in very early life. She is classically trained in ballet, jazz, tap and modern dance. At the age of 16, she released her debut album Solo Star on Columbia Records.

Her first single "Feeling You," featuring Noreaga, was a Dance hall inspired song. Albums like SoL-AngeL & The Hadley Street Dreams are the second effort of Solange.

Third night of 2008 Bermuda Music Festival

On the third night, the Bermuda was dazzled with the performance of Beyonce Knowles. Beyonce was born in September 4, 1981 in Houston, Texas. She established herself as one of the most widely recognized and iconic woman artist in pop.

When Beyonce was 9 years old, Destiny's Child was created in Houston. Destiny's Child became the top-selling female recording group of all-time. She became a founding member and front woman of Destiny's Child.

In 2004, Beyonce launched "Dangerously In Love," which earned her five Grammy Awards including Best Contemporary R&B Album and Best R&B Song for "Crazy In Love" featuring Jay-Z. She made a chart history in 2003 to win most Grammy awards in a single year since the last 20 years.

On her 25th birthday on September 4, 2006 Beyoncé released her second solo album "B'DAY". This album closed out 2006 as one of the year's most successful albums. In December 2007, Beyoncé was nominated for two Grammys: Record of the Year for "Irreplaceable" and Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals for "Beautiful Liar."

Fourth night of 2008 Bermuda Music Festival

On the 4th night, a legendary reggae band UB40 performed at the festival. The group has more than 25 years of experience in music. UB40 are one of the biggest and one of the leading musical bands in Britain.

Their combined and single album sales are in excess of 70 million, which puts them in that elite category populated by the stellar likes of Oasis, The Police, Robbie Williams and Muse; they've had a 51 hit singles.

Another artist for the 4th night was Bermuda’s own reggae superstar Collie Buddz.

And finally on this closing night of the Bermuda Music Festival two more international performers, Aaron Neville from New Orleans and 11-times Grammy-Award winner Alicia Keys performed.

The success of Aaron Neville’s career is based on his popular song Nature Boy and is unique. This is a song with remarkable sensitivity. Aaron is the third of the four famous Neville Brothers of New Orleans.

Alicia Keys was born in New York's Hell's Kitchen, strongly influenced by music from all different generations and disciplines including the essential music of Nina Simone, Donny Hathaway, Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder.

Her “As I Am” album has been a super hit. Another album "No One" won two Grammy Awards in 2008 for Best R&B Song and Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. Besides 11 Grammy-Awards, she has earned numerous accolades through out her career.

The Bermuda Regiment Soldiers were present in front of the stage to maintain the tradition of the ceremony.