Philly’s weeklong Global Fusion Festival ended with a star-studded finale of old and new school artists, dancers, musicians, and lots of food, folks and fun. The festival united cultures via the great equalizer — entertainment — during this time of growing cultural division.
The sun shined brightly Saturday, at Penn’s Landing’s Great 
Stadium, as the Philadelphia Multicultural Affairs Committee concluded its fourth annual Global Fusion Festival: Pangea. Hosted by several of the city’s personalities, including VH1’s Amanda Diva, the event celebrated the cultural differences of the people that make up Philadelphia by offering diverse entertainment.
Various artists came to the festival to support the cause. Englander turned Philadelphia resident, Marsha Ambrosius, who was part of the former female R&B group, Floetry, graced the Philly audience with hits “Butterflies” and “Yes” and even performed her new single. Set to deliver her highly anticipated album in September, Ambrosius consistently delivers passionate performances with her calming vibrato and unique style.
Brooklyn native and gospel star JJ Hairston dropped through with his choir, Youthful Praise, to enrich the Philly crowd with a little taste of spiritual inspiration set to ear-tickling music. Hairston is a member of Turner’s Faith Temple C.O.G.I.C., Int’l. in Bridgeport, Conn.
Latin sensation Toby Love also came out in support of the event. Influenced by R. Kelly and Michael Jackson, Love developed a new sound he calls “crunkchata” a fusion of R&B with new age and traditional Bachata. Along with his live band, Love wrapped the crowd in a blanket of sensual sounds that kept the party going.
Also performing was R&B crooner, Lyfe Jennings, whose “gritty” and “raw” voice captivated the audience with hits from his past albums as well as his newest single about women’s self-worth, “Statistic.” His new album, “I Still Believe,” will be released this fall.
The night concluded with R&B legends, En Vogue, wh
o represented to the fullest, looking like they hadn’t aged a bit and sounding like they were born to sing together! The sexy quartet delivered pumping sounds that took the crowd back to the ’90s, like “Don’t Let Go,” “Never Gonna Get It,” and “Hold On.” En Vogue let the crowd know that they still have it. They’re now working on their 13th album.
–darryl yates
