It is being promoted as the biggest reggae show ever to hit Guyana, a claim that could be disputed if it weren’t for the fact that the persons bragging are the ones who gave us the huge, hyped and unforgettable Beres Hammond/Maxi Priest concert two years ago.
A Beres/Maxi headliner is a large pair of shoes to fill but according to the people behind the Guyana Music Festival, which is billed for the National Stadium later this month, GT Entertainment, the likes of Buju Banton; Third World; Collie Buddz, Mr. Easy; Kiprich and Alaine- all Jamaican stars, are big enough to fill those shoes. Perhaps in the cases of Third World and Buju the statement is true.
Reggae lovers the world over are familiar with Third World, which is more than just a big band with big hits. Buju popularly known as `Gargamel’ is who he his, which is Jamaican’s modern voice of reggae and its real ‘King of Dancehall.’
Buju’s voice is probably the most recognizable out of the island after that of Bob Marley. His gruff vocals are so good that whether he is singing his discriminatory, brash music lashing the gay community or his trademark, hard-core dancehall songs or his deep, conscious reggae anthems, fans the world over have embraced him. No matter what Buju does, he is loved and come October 27 he is likely to headline the show- locals wouldn’t have it any other way. Controversy over his gay-bashing lyrics and calls to have him banned will no doubt still dog him.
Third World is an institution, one that that stands for producing and performing music. The band’s music is positive, progressive and relevant. Not to mention they have worked with and shared a stage with music legends such as the Jackson Five; Stevie Wonder and Bob Marley and the Wailers.
With 33 years of smash hit songs, sold-out tours and inspirational messages, Third World has proved they have staying power. When they performed at the opening ceremony of Cricket World Cup in Jamaica earlier this year, “the staying power” was reinforced. If that wasn’t impressive enough, the band has been booked to perform across the world but extensively in London, which is like a second home.
Third World’s international hit singles include: the cover version of Gamble & Huff’s, “Now That We’ve Found Love”; “96 Degrees in the Shade”; “Cool Meditation”; “Dancing on the Floor”; “Try Jah Love” written by Stevie Wonder; “Sense of Purpose”;
“Forbidden Love”; “Reggae Ambassador”; “Committed” and “Reggae Party.”
As Third World says “If it’s music, sweet music, let it play” so come October 27 the sounds of one of the Caribbean’s legendary bands will blast from the stadium. It is likely to be more entertaining than any match the West Indies played during their appearance at the stadium.
The other artistes in the line-up are likely to make the kind of splash we expect them to. Collie Buddz is the hottest thing besides Alaine among the other performers including locals, Fojo, Jory and Brutal Jammers.
At the launch of the show earlier this week, Kashif Mohammed, one of the directors of GT Entertainment told the media they will create history because a show of that magnitude and kind has never come to these parts. He said they have security as a priority and will ensure that things go smoothly.
Mike Fung, another director said they are bringing in a stage from Trinidad to set up outside the National Stadium where the show will be held. He said they have already secured an area for parking and that time management is something they will be paying keen attention to since the show is expected to start at 8 pm.
“We are starting at 8 pm with or without patrons because the list of performers is so long that we cannot afford to start any later”, Mohammed said.
Tickets for the show cost $3,000 and the promoters are promising that transportation will be included in the ticket price saying that they will provide free transportation to and from the stadium provided patrons can provide a ticket.
VIP tickets cost US$100 and covers patrons for finger foods, backstage access to the singers and a front row seat. But even with $3000 persons will be able to have front row seats as well.
Tickets go on sale within another few days.
(ianaseales@yahoo.com)
