20 May Tosh's Last Son In Star-Studded Line-Up
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Adrian Frater, News Editor
Western Bureau:
While this Saturday night’s 22nd staging of Western Consciousness, which is slated for the scenic Paradise Park in Westmoreland, will once again provide a treat for the lovers of conscious music, it will hold added significance for at least one of the artistes.
Listed among the fabulous array of stars confirmed for the show is the last son of reggae icon Peter Tosh, the America-based Tosh I, who will be performing in the parish of his dad’s birth for the first time. The young Tosh, who came to the fore two years ago, has steadily been building quite a name on the international circuit.
Like its previous 21 stagings, this year’s Western Consciousness will once again be staged under the theme ‘A celebration of good over evil’, and will only feature artistes who have proved themselves over the years as purveyors of clean, uplifting music, devoid of lewd and derogatory input.
“We are holding fast to our belief that music should uplift and not corrupt, so, as was in the beginning so it is today in so far as the quality artistes on the line-up,” said businessman Worrell King, the promoter of the one-night concert. “This is the kind of show the entire family can attend without fear that you might be disturbed by what you hear.”
The line-up, which has a solid international flavour, is headed by international superstar Jah Cure, arguably the hottest commodity in reggae; the fireman Capleton, Tarrus Riley and Lutan Fyah, who is arguably the hottest reggae act on the European circuit at this time.
For the fans of vintage reggae at its best, the line-up includes a solid band of veteran stars, spanning several generations, Heading the list is the iconic deejay Jah Youth, the London-based Macka B, Leroy Gibbon and Tarrus Riley’s lyrical dad, Jimmy Riley.
Among the younger generation of emerging stars are the likes of Chuck Fendah, I-Octane, Lady G, Iyahblazzze, Bescenta, Khago, Duane Stephenson, Turbulance, Lymie Murray, Little Hero, Anthony Cruz, Noddy Virtue, Romain Virgo, Bugle and Mystic Bowie – all acts that have been steadily making a mark on the international circuit.
The line-up is completed by the likes of Westmoreland-based acts Grandson, Princess Tia, Steam and Stamma T, among other upcoming acts.
To ensure that the artistes get the best musical support possible, the promoters have secured the services of top-flight show bands SANE (Sounds Against Negative Expressions) and the Omega Element band. The MC duties will be shared between Irie FM’s Ron Muschette and Cordell Green, the chairman of the Jamaica Broadcasting Commission.
Western Consciousness has taken on an educational campaign with artistes such as Tarrus Riley spearheading a school tour to mentor students. Pre-show events have also been staged at various locations across the island.