REGGAE STAR LUCIANO STONED IN PORT HARCOURT, NIGERIA

Luciano

Reggae icon, Luciano, was on Saturday night pelted with empty water bottles by some youths that attended the closing of the 2011 Rivers State Carnival popularly known as CARNIRIV at the Liberation Stadium.

Luciano, whose real name is Jepther McClymont, was invited by the consultant handling this year’s cultural festival as the star artiste to perform at the event.

Though the music fans, who streamed to the stadium, had earlier been entertained by some Nigerian artistes that included Ras Kimono, Maleke and I Go Save, a few of them were, however, not comfortable with Luciano’s reggae music.

Not ready to listen to the lyrics and rhythm of the Jamaican-born reggae idol, they resorted to throwing empty water bottles at him.

Luciano, who was shocked at the hostile attitude of the crowd, asked, "What is happening? You don’t want me? I was told that CARNIRIV is an event to showcase African Culture and that is why I am here for you.

"I am a messenger of God; don’t you want the message. I was in Ethiopia, they (Ethiopians) received me. I was in Gambia, they received me. Why won’t you receive your brother?"

The reggae maestro immediately sang his popular track, One way Ticket to Africa, to appease the crowd. But those who appeared not to be in love with the Luciano’s reggae genre of music continued to pelt him with objects.

He eventually left the stage after the rendition of another track, Sweep Over My Soul, before the Nigeria twin artistes, P-Square, were welcomed to the stage with an ovation.