Western Consciousness dancehall-style looms

Adrian Frater, News Editor

Western Bureau:

After almost a full year of planning, promoter Worrell King has now completed the line-up of artistes for the most risqué edition of his popular one-day showcase, Western Consciousness 2011, which will unfold at Paradise Park, in Smithfield, Westmoreland, on Saturday April 30.

The show dubbed 'A celebration of good over evil', has had a long and distinguished history of excluding artistes who has had a reputation of doing songs that fall outside of what promoter King described as "conscious, edifying and acceptable".

In what turned out to be a successful gamble of sorts in 2006, King took a chance with the reputation of the show when, against the wishes of many long-time fans of Western Consciousness - he included dancehall star Beenie Man, who performed as Ras Moses.

Having successfully experimented with Beenie Man and Lady Saw, whom he also got to buy into his "no lewd and derogatory" lyrics concept at Western Consciousness, King has now decided to raise the bar this year, including several dancehall stars in a package he has dubbed, a 'salute to positive dancehall'.

"Contrary to what some people might believe, given the right circumstances, many of our dancehall artistes have the capacity to act responsibly," said King. "This year, we will be presenting the positive side of these artistes in the form of positive dancehall."

Heading the line-up will be perennial nemesis Bounty Killer and Beenie Man, arguably Jamaica's most renowned 'clash artistes'. However, this time around there will be no 'clash' as Beenie Man will once again be appearing as Ras Moses, and Bounty Killer will be performing as Rodney Pryce.

Line up

Other authentic dancehall artistes in the line-up includes D'Angel and Tanya Stephens.

The new generation of red-hot dancehall stars will be led by reigning male artistes of the year, I -Octane; the ladies pet, Romain Virgo; the dazzling Stevie Face; the melodious Hezron; the lyrically astute Luton Fyah; Turbulence, Hero, House of Leeds rising star Iyahblazze, Harry Toddler and Droop Lion.

In terms of veteran acts, the package is nothing short of awesome with the likes of Britain-based luminary King Sounds; reggae icon Freddie McGregor; the legendary vocal group, The Mighty Diamonds; the recently crowned world's top band, the Dubtonic Kru; and the Toronto-based, Jah Cutter.

The line-up is completed by the likes of Colin 'Illey Dread' Levy, Supa Sass and Toya alongside Uprising Roots. As is customary, SANE (Sounds Against Negative Expressions) will provide backing services. Cordell Green, Denise 'Ises' Miller, Ron Muschette and DJ Linkage of Linkage Radio in New York, will share the duties of masters of ceremony.