Sizzla pleased despite low turnout

Claudia Gardner, Assignment Coordinator

WESTERN BUREAU:Despite the relatively small turnout of patrons at the Makalon Family Anniversary Show in Lucea, Hanover, last Saturday, headline act, Sizzla Kalonji, said he enjoyed himself immensely and was pleased with the crowd response.

"Give thanks. I am glad to be here and it's good to be here. It was a beautiful show - superb!" Sizzla Kalonji told Western Focus in an interview following his performance at the show, which was held at the Jockey Factory in the town.

"The youths are really doing well. The kids, they are doing great. Lucea! Show tun up!" he added.

In response to questions relating to his latest album, The Messiah, Sizzla said the album, which is his 70th, was proving to be a success internationally.

"It's doing well. It's number one in New York, South Florida, and number four on the Billboard charts. Typically, it's a roots rock reggae album with a difference," he said.

Sizzla said his music would continue to be influenced by his Rastafari faith and by events taking place nationally and internationally.

"My music is influenced by everything on a whole. We are working for Jah and the people, so we only report to Jah. So you just meditate every little thing that's really needed in any way possible to give people a joy. Spread the love and keep making songs because you can't be going out there and you don't have any context. The people out there need context and content," he said.

"When you look out there and see we are in an economic crisis right now, you just have to get yourself together and just look and see what's happening in the world and just put it to the book and pen," he added.

The line-up on the show was completed by Hanover homeboy I-Moore, Ocho Rios-based acts Teflon and Jabalance, Ishabel, L-Stitch, and Ital Fire of Kingston. Lucea-based artistes Lexy and Sniper, the Star Sisters, and Sample J of Lucea. The show was hosted by Elise Kelly of Irie FM.