Island Jazz: Chaka Khan & Erykah Badu Headline Festival in Tobago

Chaka Khan was one of the headliners of the 2010 Tobago Jazz Experience on the beautiful island nation. The Grammy-winning R&B diva dazzled locals with a new show that included dancers and retooled versions of her endless catalog of hits.

The 57-year-old diva endeared the crowd with the backstories to her hits, many of which remind Khan of a time when her life wasn't centered.

"I've been through the fire five or six times," she said during the introduction to her song 'Through the Fire.' "I'm going through the fire right now! But I don't look burned! If you come through that fire and come through unscathed that means you've been through the cleansing fire, and that only makes you stronger!"

God was referenced constantly during Khan's concert set, as the singer reflected on how her faith that has sustained her career.

"We often forget how much God loves us," she told the crowd. "He's a good God, and he's been good to me. We need to remember!"

When Khan completed her set with the female empowerment anthem 'I'm Every Woman,' the ovation for the crowd signified how much they enjoyed her concert.

Unfortunately, the reception wasn't the same for the Tobago Jazz Experience's other headliner, Erykah Badu.

The neo-soul goddess performed an awkward set of album cuts that didn't maintain the attention of the crowd, as the artsy-fartsy psychedelic arrangement seemed to go over most people's head.

Sporting an oversize top hat and purple kimono, the 39-year-old singer was an hour into her show and had only performed five notable hits.

"I need y'all to talk back to me," she told the eerily quiet crowd, but attendees continued to look puzzled by Badu's song selections.

BV Buzz was among the many that departed Badu's show mid-set, and a colleague who did stay said she never performed her current hit 'Window Seat.'

(Read: 'Cover Art: J. Anthony Brown Spoofs Erykah Badu's 'Window Seat.')

Among the local artists who were impressive during the Tobago Jazz Experience were Dil E Nadan, Shurwayne Winchester and YOU, and Kay Alleyne.

In addition to the performances at the Beach Jazz Fiesta at the Pigeon Point Heritage Park, Tobago Jazz Experience also featured local jazz acts performing at Pan Jazz in de Park and Jazz on de Beach at Mt. Irvine Bay.

Tobago Jazz Experience is a feel-good festival on an island with friendly locals and beautiful beaches.

For more information on Tobago, visit www.gotrinidadandtobago.com.

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For related stories, read: 'Caribbean King: Tyler Perry Brings Hollywood Hoopla To The Bahamas'

& 'Teena Marie: Keeping Rick James' Legacy Alive.'

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