Four-day 'Marley Bash' for Negril

Adrian Frater, News Editor

Western Bureau:

Anticipation is now running high in Negril as the resort town gets ready to host the 20th staging of the internationally renowned Bob Marley Birthday Bash, which will be held over four days, February 3-6, at the MXIII Lawn on One Love Boulevard (formerly West End Road) and at the Negril Beach Park.

"Things have fallen into place nicely - in terms of our planning - so naturally, we are very excited about it," said Clive Pringle, the CEO of MXIII, which is staging the event in association with the Negril Cluster.

"We are expecting the usually large number of Bob Marley fans from overseas."

The four days will feature four separate musical and cultural experiences ranging from a night of Nyahbinghi drumming on Friday at MXIII Lawn, the big star-studded Bob Marley Birthday Bash on Saturday, again at MXII Lawn; the Original Dancehall Party on Sunday at the Negril Beach Park; and the Royal Bob Marley Celebrations on Monday at MXIII Lawn.

Incentive for fans

"Staging it over four days gives the fans, especially those coming from overseas, an additional incentive to come as it is not just one quality event, it is four quality events running back to back," said Pringle.

"This is an experience no true Bob Marley fan should miss."

As is customary, the Bob Marley Birthday Bash, which is being headlined by the likes of Jah Cure and Coco Tea, will be the main attraction.

The line-up is completed by the veteran Admiral Tibet, House of Leeds recording star Iyahblazze, Droop Lion, Soul 4 Soul, Harry Chapman, Anthony Able and Canada-based recording artiste Robin Banks.

"After his dazzling performance at Reggae Sumfest 2011, the fans have made no bones about the fact that they want Coco Tea in the line-up," said Pringle. "It is a pleasure to have Coco Tea as the headliner."

For those who share Bob Marley's Rastafarian faith, Friday night's Nyahbinghi session should be very special as, in addition to the cultural drummers, there will be special guest speakers, a performance by the Jankonoo Dancers, and the lighting of a bonfire.

The Original Dancehall Party should be a special treat for all ardent dancehall fans as it will feature dancehall legends Brigadier Jerry and the colonel Josie Wales toasting on the Black Blunt and I African Vibes sound systems.

Monday's Royal Bob Marley Celebrations should be a case of déjà vu for those fans who attended the first Bob Marley Birthday Bash 20 years ago. Marcia Griffiths, Judy Mowatt and Rita Marley, who performed then, will be back this year to evoke memories of the years they toured the world as backup singers for the reggae king.