Marcia's Trip to Africa

Dear Fans, Friends, Wellwishers!

Warm greetings to each and everyone of you who has supported me for so many years, up until this day, even though I`ve been off the scene for over a decade, which I myself had no control over. Thank you for being so loyal, keeping the FAITH that I would reappear with GREAT TIDINGS. This is quite overwhelming and at the same time FULFILLING. MY CUP IS RUNNING OVER!!!

I am assuming that by now, you have learnt that during that period of time,I was preparing for my "SOLO LAUNCH" and most importantly, healing from two unexpected bouts of Cancer. God has brought me through those battles with a "CLEAN BILL OF HEALTH" as I speak. I am feeling GREAT and ready to pick up the pieces from where I was interrupted. In other words, I am "BACK ON TRACK" with all cylinders going, full of HIGH ENERGIES. OH! What a feeling. HA! HA! HA! HA!

At this point and time, after I’d set up my Webpage, releasing my new CD, "SURVIVAL" via internet, I feel that it is time to give you an update as to what has been happening for me since then pretaining my "COMEBACK".

I am so delighted to share with you my Everlasting Joy of my visit to South Africa last month. I was invited to perform for "AIDSLINK" by the Executive Director of this organization, Mr. Shaun O`Shea. This spectacular event "STAGES OF LOVE 2000" was held at the Civic Theatre in Johannesburg, on Sunday the 10th of September. Memories of this night I will always treasure, for more than one reason.

Not only the joy and fulfillment of setting foot on stage again for the very first time after a decade but more of a thrill to have performed for such a GOOD CAUSE. Helping the people who are battling for their lives with HIV/AIDS and cannot afford medication. I have always felt somewhat helpless to the sufferers of HIV/AIDS, but performing without payment, was my call to help in my own little way the people who are less fortunate than myself. I say less fortunate than myself, because I`ve had blood transfusion twice to this date. What I`m trying to say is that I could have had the wrong blood given to me when I needed to SURVIVE.

My performance in Johannesburg was a dynamic experience, rubbing shoulders with all those talented people in the ARTS in one night. My GOD! It was tantalizing indeed to have been a part of this event. I was well received and presented with lots of sincere love from everybody. I feel very honoured to have been a part of "STAGES OF LOVE 2000". Marcus and I felt at home the minute we stepped off that boeing 747 in Johannesburg. In fact it was a pleasant flight with S.A.A. Good meals, fine wines and champagne. HA! HA! HA! HA! I love it all. Our hotels were of an exquisite calibre. Five star "SAXON" in Johannesburg and the "PALACE" in SUN CITY, where we rested for two days after NICE HECTIC P.R. work promoting my new CD, "SURVIVAL" OH! OH! OH! OH! and OH! this reminded me of the Boney M days. It was radio interviews, telephone interviews, breakfast TV. Show "TOASTIES" etc; etc; etc; One station S A F M 104-107 played three tracks from "SURVIVAL" during our 70 minutes interview with Shaun, Marcus and myself. THANK YOU S A F M 104-107. I felt really missed. Nothing happens before the right time.

The people of South Africa we met during those days were very hospitable in every way. Marcus and I would also like to thank Brett Cleaver and John, who were our BODYGUARD & CHAUFFEUR during our stay and who looked after us superbly at all times. Thanks to the staff of "SAXON" & "THE PALACE". Thanks Jacky 0`Shea, for that lovely meal at your private home.It was wonderful. We would also like to thank Mrs. Judy Sexwale a Patron of Aidslink for throwing that nice Welcome Party at the Saxon for us.

Before I go any further, I must convey to you that my trip to South Africa, for such a vital cause have rewarded me with a MAGNIFICENT and CARING MANAGER Mr. Shaun O`Shea.. Shaun has always believed in me as a Singer/Performer whilst being active in the Boney M formation and even more so, now as a "SOLOIST". I am BLESSED to have him taking care of my career at this point of NO RETURN. COOL RUNNINGS SHAUN! Since the release of "SURVIVAL" I have also completed my first volume of my magazine also entitled "SURVIVAL". The contents of my magazine is about my background from Jamaica. Telling you about my first performance at the age of seven at the World`s Third Biggest Theatre in Kingston which is "WARD THEATRE" I also talked about my "SOLO CAREER" prior to the Boney m`s formation in Germany, as well as life including school-days in Britain during the 60`s. I selected a few photographs which are quite interesting, giving you a chance to really see where I`m coming from(of which I`m very proud of) and where I am today. My magazine will be on the market soon. I intend to write at least another volume before commencing my BOOK. OH! I have so much to talk about, sharing it with you, is a pleasure.

One last topic Fans, Friends, Wellwishers!!!!! It is something that I`d like to inform you about, that I think is vital for you to know pretaining SHOWS that are MISLEADING which are advertised as Boney M Shows. Over this past decade, my former colleagues----Liz,Bobby & Maizie —the original BONEY M formation, have been performing with their versions of Boney M. These three different formations adds up to NINE STRANGE people, miming to my voice on backing tracks for their shows, as well as not looking the part, because they are not the original group. The sound,( because they tend to sing over the backing tracks) and the optic CANNOT be BONEY M. How can it be Boney M and I`m never present at any of these shows? I have nothing against my former colleagues getting work, but I would like some RESPECT as to my INTENSIVE VOCALS and performing contributions which I gave to the group for 15 years and still being recycled in REMIXES throughout the entire world.

One thing you can all be sure of, is that on my future TOUR DATES you will see on my posters, only a picture of myself and my band called Marcia Barrett of Boney M Project. I`m all about honesty at all times.

My show will be quite refreshing when I will be singing Original songs from my CD. a few hits from Boney M, some cover versions of popular songs as well as a couple of new tracks. Let me wrap this article up by saying THANK YOU once again for supporting me and for the many, many POSITIVE E-Mails I`ve received with CONGRATS for the work done by my GREAT TEAM and myself on "SURVIVAL" IF GOD BE FOR ME, WHO CAN BE AGAINST ME? I must laugh again HA! HA! HA! HA! It feels GOOD to laugh. Let me add that I have lots of nice surprises for you in the very near future, so keep on checking my WebPage. Let`s keep in touch.

Remember that "I`M BACK ON TRACK"and I`m hereby wishing you GOOD HEALTH and a PROSPEROUS FUTURE. May GOD BLESS and keep you ALWAYS! ONE LOVE & PEACE!

Yours Truly------Marcia.