Over the weekend there were so many events happening, but one event that was looked forward to by everybody was “Maxi Priest Live in Concert at Hikka Vibrations” presented by Ants Work events.

After toying with the idea of whether it would be worth driving down to Hikkaduwa just for a concert, many people found themselves cruising along the Southern Expressway singing some of those good old “raga muffin” tunes with their friends.

The organizers should have been much more efficient however because considering the fact that Sri Lankans can never arrive on time, they had made a decision to start the concert a bit late. However when a concert starts at 12:30 in the night you definitely know that something is seriously wrong! (Even by Sri Lankan standards)

The opening act began at 11:20pm with Sri Lanka’s very own fusion band Elephant Foot getting the crowd going, with some of the most amazing beats imaginable. However, following this exciting performance, the DJ took over while Maxi’s band did somewhat of a sound check.

A drizzle at 12.00am gave everyone the feeling "Had the wait been too long and was it all going to washed off?” Fortunately the weather gods were more fair than the organizers and it stopped in 10 mins, things cooled off and the show started off only at 12.30 with the MC apologizing and saying the delay was to ensure people have a good show.

It certainly was a good show! From the moment he got onstage Maxi owned that stage and the crowd went completely berserk. Hits such as ‘Wild World’ and ‘Close to You’ had the crowd including myself screaming at the top of our lungs!

It was brilliant to see an artist perform with his full band and not lip sync his songs. The crowd seemed to be on some sort of a high, with many people getting up onstage and being given some of the nastiest tackles by officials! (Yes, it was just like you see on TV)

The concert which ended at approximately 2:50 in the morning was well worth the wait and money paid, and was followed by performances by female fire dancers and many other hot acts.

After all it’s Hikka and the party does not stop. (Literally)

Audience Comments

Dharini 

"I’m really enjoying myself. It’s good to have a change in style of music, specially with a reggae artist coming down."

Ravi and Sri

We are directing a Music video with Maxi. So watch out for that. The concert is simply electric.

Martin

Super show, and a nice crowd as well.

For more pictures visit https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.465080320177479.109138.300826439936202&type=1

Review by Reihan Stephen

Pics by Waruna Wanniarachchi