Romain in performance

Romain Virgo provided the perfect end to the launch of his self-titled album with an entertaining performance at the Knutsford Court Hotel, New Kingston, on Tuesday night.

With all the formalities aside, former Rising Stars winner Cameal Davis sang a spirited intro for Virgo. As he started Who Feels It Knows It, there was an almost immediate 'pull up' because of the massive response to the song.

And when he did Caan Sleep, everyone sang along. Virgo made one woman's night when he left the stage to serenade her with Love Doctor.

Soon after, Queen Ifrica joined him on-stage, changing sections of her song Lioness On The Rise to make it appropriate for him. Later, Davis sang I'm Doing Good with him.

As the night progressed, he did songs like I Wanna Go Home that he said was for the women, Dark Skin Girl and Be Careful. He also deejayed some of Busy Signal's fast-paced lyrics on Shane Brown's 'Stagalag' rhythm, impressing the audience.

high praise

Throughout the night, the artiste received high praises for his work.

Headline Entertainment's Carlette DeLeon referred to him as an artiste for today and tomorrow. She added: "I can attest to the fact that he is humble. He is genuine and he is sweet."

Cordel Green, executive director of the Broadcasting Commission, was also pleased with Virgo's work. "The lyrics on this album are of a man wise beyond these 20 years. Your lyrics cut across class, creed and age," he said.

Green also said he was impressed with his songs, which he referred to as classics. And while many of his peers placed emphasis on the 'bling', he said Virgo was more interested in singing about social issues.

Tony Rebel also applauded Virgo for being able to pull a good crowd to his event on a day when Christopher 'Dudus' Coke had been captured, World Cup was in progress and when the police wanted the Reverend Al Miller to turn himself in.

Nonetheless, he said: "It is our duty to nourish and cherish talents like these so that our industry can last another 50 years."

Virgo was also happy. "It's an overwhelming feeling to be standing here launching my first album," he said before going on to thank all the persons who had been part of the album-making process and those who have supported him throughout his career.

On hand for the launch were other artistes like Sophia Brown, D Major, Baby Tash, Christopher Martin, Nesbeth, Wasp, Wadda *lo** and others.

Queen Ifrica and Romain perform one of the songs from his album. - Colin Hamilton photos

Singer Romain Virgo(left) and producer Donovan Germain pose with a copy of the artiste's first album.