Big show for Marley's 66th

Jah Cure to headline 2011 birthday bash

Adrian Frater, News Editor

Western Bureau:

The 18th renewal of the annual Bob Marley Birthday Bash, which was not staged last year because of a temporary ban the police placed on the MXIII Lawn in Negril, is set to return with a bang this weekend at the scenic West End Road venue.

"Everything is ready and in place for what should be a fabulous celebration," said an elated Clive Pringle, the promoter of the event.

"Some of the overseas fans, who came here last year and were left disappointed, are back this year and are really looking forward to having a great time."

The concert segment, which will be staged on Saturday night, will be headlined by international recording star Jah Cure. The line-up also includes the veteran Freddie McGregor, Richie Stephens, Admiral Tibet, Chino, Stephen McGregor, Laden, House of Leeds' recording star Iyahblazze, Soul 4 Soul and Andrew Taylor. The backing band is the western Jamaica-based SAME band. "Because of the disappointment of last year, we wanted to make this year's event very special, hence our decision to pull out all the stops to get Jah Cure," said Pringle.

"We are now satisfied that we have a package to give value for money - I am really excited about what we are offering."

Nyabinghi presentation

On Sunday, it will be a mixed bag, catering to roots and culture and dancehall fans. For the roots fans, there will be a Nyabinghi presentation featuring Rastafarian drummers during the day at MXIII, while at night, the action will switch to the Negril Beach Park for a sound clash, featuring Black Blunt, Black Widow and Brother Hype.

"We recognise that different people have different tastes," said Pringle. "Hopefully, by adding variety to what we are doing, we will satisfy the various tastes."

Getting over the hurdle of last year's ban on MXIII, which was a result of prior Noise Abatement Act violations, was not easy but, according to Pringle, he got high-quality help.

"I must say special thanks to the likes of Sports and Culture Minister Olivia 'Babsy' Grange, commanding officer for the Westmoreland police, Superintendent Egbert Parkins, Savanna-la-Mar's mayor, Western Westmoreland's Member of Parliament Wykeham McNeill and the Jamaica Tourist Board," said Pringle.

"I must also thank the Negril Cluster, the Negril Entertainment Association and the residents of Westland Mountain (the community that adjoins MXIII) for standing up with me."

The Bob Marley Birthday Bash, which has got the blessing of the Bob Marley Foundation, is one of several global events staged annually to mark the birthday of the late reggae icon, who died in 1981.