Legendary R&B group The Whispers last night kicked off BermudaMusic Festival '08. Hundreds of people packed into FairmontSouthampton Beach Club to see the old school band give music fans a taste of what will be to come over the next few days.

The rain held-off as South Shore was treated to a host of the songs which brought The Whispers a string of career awards, including seven gold albums, two platinum albums, 12 top 20 singles and 40 charted hits.

Mustapha Rasheed, of the City of Hamilton, said he was the Whispers biggest fan in the world. He added: "We are so excited that they are actually here. It has been fantastic so far." Warm-up acts were the Paradise Band and the Warner Gombey Troupe, with Dick Gregory emceeing.

The festival will really get going tonight when Beyonce hits the National Stadium, with Alicia Keys and UB40 among those to come.