Reggae’s “Nightingale” returns home to tumultuous welcome …

After being away from Jamaica for over five years, and absent for seven years from appearing on the greatest one-night-stand show, Sting, Sanchez returned home on December 23, 2003 courtesy of Supreme Promotions and Magnum Tonic Drink, the promoters and sponsors of Magnum Sting. “The Nightingale” flew into Kingston and was greeted at the Norman Manley International Airport with a welcome befitting a head of state or national hero. Hundreds of fans were awaiting his arrival patiently in the hot mid-day sun, waving and shouting as Sanchez and his entourage was escorted to his limousine. A helicopter hovered in the skies with its television crew hanging precariously and clutching their cameras, as they tracked him all the way to the hotel. His motorcade was piloted by uniformed out-riders through the streets of Kingston, with over 100 cars, buses and motorcycles in tow. Upon arrival at the Hilton Hotel, Sanchez was warmly greeted by a bevy of beautiful ladies clad in hot shorts and sponsors tee-shirts, who presented him with baskets of goodies from all the sponsors. “Such a rare welcome has seldom been given to any Jamaican artist”, said Vonnie McGowan his Publicist.

Sanchez lived up to fans’ expectations as he took to the stage at 2:00 a.m. at Magnum Sting. He could do no wrong as he reeled off nine songs from his extensive repertoire, including, “Loneliness” and “Frenzy.” He closed his set with a powerful rendition of “Amazing Grace,” during which the lights at the venue were turned off and the arena was illuminated by cigarette lighters and cell phones, bringing Sting to an anti-climax as Sanchez exited the stage to calls for an encore for more.

During his two week stay in Jamaica, he launched his new album, “No More Heartache” at a ceremony held at the Hilton Hotel on December 30th. This is the 29th album release to his credit. In attendance was a wide cross section of artists and the media fraternity. The following evening, New Year’s Eve, he made a surprise guest appearance in Maypen, Clarendon, at Cocoa Tea’s Jam Jam Concert, working with artists like Ritchie Stephens and Thriller U. Then on January 3rd, he performed at the inaugural Singers Reunion Concert at Waves on the Beach in Negril, along with Cocoa Tea, George Nooks, the Mighty Diamonds, and Bunnie & Skully, among others. From Kingston to Negril via Maypen, Sanchez graced his homeland with his heartfelt musical presence, delivering some terribly exciting performances.