Sri Lanka witnessed a musical extravaganza like never before on the evening of December 23, 2023 as ballad royalty, Grammy award winners All-4-One, and the legendary King of Romance, Derrick J (Junkeer), graced the stage for a night of unparalleled elegance.
Derrick J, adorned in a suave light brown suit, commanded the stage with charisma that immediately drew enthusiastic cheers and ecstatic whoops from the captivated audience. Kicking off the night with Engelbert’s timeless classic “Man without Love,” the 72-year-old maestro showcased enduring vocal prowess, prompting a harmonious sing-along that echoed through the venue.
The melodious journey unfolded with a rendition of “Spanish Eyes” and a medley seamlessly intertwining the hits “Come What May” and “Save the Last Dance” in Derrick J’s signature style. A cascade of ardent fans rushed to the stage, presenting bouquets of flowers, and in a gracious gesture, Derrick J expressed gratitude, promising to share the floral joy with other adoring fans upon his return to Australia.
The night continued with soul-stirring medleys, including titles such as “There Goes My Everything,” “Last Waltz,” “Release Me,” and the timeless “Unchained Melody.” Derrick J engaged the audience, inviting them to clap along to the infectious rhythm of “Love Is in the Air” and rewarding the loudest clapper with a generous gift of flowers and his complete collection of six CDs and a DVD.
Concluding the evening with flair, Derrick J joined forces with his four backup singers, the JJ Twins, and two vocalists from the group Manthraa, Sandasi Methmanthi and Sewmini Sanjana, for a spectacular rendition of Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline.” Derrick J said that he had arrived in Sri Lanka three days prior, had only two hours of rehearsal with the band ‘The Redeemers,’ and had never met the four backup singers. Despite these challenges, he delivered a show that left a multitude of fans in awe.
The concert transcended the realm of ordinary performances, offering an unforgettable night of musical bliss.
With stellar performances by All-4-One and the incomparable Derrick J, the seamless blend of classic hits, soulful covers, and Derrick J’s engaging interaction with the audience made it a night to be cherished by all fortunate attendees.
