By Cherisse Moe
What happens when 500 music lovers gather under the starlit sky, united by the rhythm of positive, soulful music? The answer: magic.
A night of pure magic unfolded at ‘Date Night 2: Forever,’ a celebration of faith, hope and love.
The crowd erupted in cheers as Nathanael, the man of the moment, took the stage at about 8:30 pm backed by his band ‘Empty Us.’ He opened with the popular ‘Mr & Mrs’ off his acclaimed debut album ‘For Better or Worse’. Fans were loving it. He went on to deliver a commendable performance, blending original music like ‘Big Man Ting,’ ‘Long Live Love,’ and ‘Forever + 1,’ as well as soulful covers that had the audience singing along.
The musical affair was held at The Courtyard Government Campus Plaza, in Port-of- Spain, on November 3.
More than just a concert; ‘Date Night 2’ was also a labour of love for this passionate artiste. As Nathanael himself put it, it was aimed at ‘bringing wholesome back!’ “I wanted to create an opportunity for people to see, feel, experience, and define love differently,” says Nathanael, who is no new-comer to the music game; it’s been well over a decade. A talented musician and co-founder of Fisherman Projects alongside his younger brother Daniel, his production credits include the 2016 Soca Monarch-winning song “Far From Finished” by Voice, as well as numerous projects for gospel luminaries like Sherwin Gardner. “It was a journey through time, and a call for unity, aimed at reaffirming the positive aspects of relationships in today’s world.”
The lineup for ‘Date Night 2’ was a dream team of talented musicians, each bringing their unique style and energy to the stage. The acclaimed Vaugnette Bigford, the headliner, captivated the audience with her powerful vocals and stage presence, delivering her rendition of Luther Vandross’ So Amazing and an R&B/ Jazz interpretation of Erphaan Alves’ Overdue.
The crowd was mesmerized. If you’ve ever seen her perform you know that she is a class act. Jazz artist Nisa brought her smooth melodies, while gospel performers Jaron Nurse, Vanessa Briggs, Nakita G, Lemuel, and Ayanna Gordon Wallace, to name just a few, delivered soul-stirring performances, belting out R&B and gospel oldies that had everyone singing along.
Highlights of the event included Marc Isaacs’ rendition of Maxwell’s “Pretty Wings,” which had the crowd
eating out of his hands. A surprise tribute to Nathanael’s long-time friend and videographer David Alleyne moved the crowd to tears when his daughter Cayla performed one of her father’s favorite songs, Bob Carlisle’s “Butterfly Kisses.” Caught off guard, David was visibly emotional and later noted that he would remember that night forever.
When Nathanael, whose real name is Ryan Levi Nathanael Hamilton, took to the stage again, he closed with the reggae hit ‘Who God Bless’ and his timeless classic ‘For Better or Worse,’ fondly dubbed ‘the wedding song.’
At the end, fans left the venue not just entertained,but inspired. “It was such a great show! Kudos to Nathanael for bringing wholesome back!’ said one fan. “We need more of these positive vibes and music in our country right now,” another proclaimed.
A talented songwriter, musician, and producer, who’s collaborated with renowned artists such as Machel Montano and Boyz II Men, Nathanael promises there’s lots more to come. As he continues to push the boundaries of his artistry, fans eagerly anticipate the next chapter in his musical journey. “The team and I have something really special in store for Date Night 3. Stay tuned!” he teases.
The event was elevated by the talented DJ outfit Team Ultrasound, who spun classic hits that had the crowd dancing the night away. The venue itself was a sight to behold, transformed into a luxurious haven with elegant decor. The VIP section offered delectable food and drinks, and exclusive perks. Several lucky
patrons even walked away with exciting door prizes. A unique touch was the telephone booth where fans left heartfelt messages of encouragement for Nathanael.
