Just A Hand ~ Ink Well Prompt #102

Lights of different colors, sizes, and flex smashed the stage. Harlem Jay is the artist to beat in Lasgidi. His manager, Moyin has confirmed that all weekends from August to December are fully booked. Harlem has become a household name in the music industry. Young and old love to move their bodies each time his rhythm is played on the radio and elsewhere.

This year's celebration of the Lasgidi carnival, the stage will be on fire because top musicians will hit the stage but of all, Harlem rocks the most.

When the carnival started, the streets of Lasgidi were filled to the brim and visitors flooded the inns and guest houses, just to be part of the fun fair.

Harlem, as the special guest artiste was given enough time to perform. He could play the guitar so well and his touch on the piano is classic. You could hear the audience, especially the ladies, screaming at the top of their voices.

Harlem, I love you. Shouted someone in the audience.

The Lasgidi carnival did not end until Harlem asked some of his audience what their biggest new year's dream could be. Their chorused answers could be heard even though some were very lousy with their thoughts and others wanted a day out with him. He brought out cash and dashed three of his fans during the carnival.

The next day, Harlem's generosity made the headline of the popular entertainment magazine of the Lasgidi. The magazine related how Harlem has grown in the most remote slump of the city. Though, talented, he suffered many years of poor management in his musical career. He wrote some very pleasant songs that hit the airwaves but all the proceeds went to his greedy promoters. This continued until Harlem was helped by one of his classmates who has become an icon in the music industry. In one year, after meeting with Joe Bande, his whole life turned around for good. Life cannot be this better for a hard-working musician like Harlem.

His next show was going to be on Tin Island. It is a place for highly placed people in the country. The audience is, unlike what was experienced at the Lasgidi carnival. They had to pay heavily to be able to have Harlem perform. It was the last day of the year show. Families in Tin Island wanted to cross to the new year with love and the feeling of warmth which is what Harlem's songs contained.

Ozundunyasina

31st December 1989.
The stage was set and the lightning was beaming with different colors of distracting rays as the beautifully dressed audience watched Molly crack their ribs with jokes. Everyone was expecting it. They can't wait to have Harlem come sing those love songs and especially his hit track titled Last night.

The show continued while Harlem and his team made their way to Tin Island. Every member of the team was in high spirits as the artiste gave every one of them bonuses for the yuletide season.

When they arrived at the event place, there was little or no crowd. The environment was exotic with marbled walls and a terrace* floor. From then, they knew this was a show of class. But something isn't right. Harlem found a man who looked so unkempt. He only stretched out his hand to beg for alms from partygoers.

Hey guys! That man needs help. Harlem said to no one in particular in his team.

He made to move towards the dirty looking man but was restricted by Boyo, his stage manager.

You can't be seen with such a low life here. Boy I said.

Harlem was indifferent. He thinks the man may not necessarily be destitute. A little help here or there would have made life better for him.

Excuse me Boyo. I got this. Harlem said, gently.

He moved to the poor man. He speaks clean English. The man does not look like one who does not have a good educational background. It was with sympathy that he took hold of the poor man whom he later knew as Edwards.

As they moved into the hall, Harlem moved directly to the stage where he performed his first song, still holding poor Edwards.

His song was so emotional. It depicts love and affection and how we can help people around us. Those who need just a cup of water, people who may not be able to provide an ordinary meal.

Everyone at Tin Island knew Edward. They only give alms to him and many have never asked him what he wants to do with his life. Harlem has changed the story though.

Edwards became the attraction of the day. The audience felt guilty for not being able to stretch a hand of help to the poor beggar until Harlem did.

Then, to his next song. He sang Make it a better world. The song was so passionate with great lyrics that touched the soul. Some of the audience were moved to tears as he sang the soul song. It was a long night with several measures of emotion as the people crossed into the new year with a new way of thinking about humanity. Sympathy for your fellow man or woman will make the world a round table, where everyone is respected and relevant.