Culture on show at Powerful Women and Men concert

Patrons at the Powerful Women & Men Perform for Charity show, scheduled for Sunday, June 9, at the National Indoor Sports Centre, will be in for a special treat when the island’s popular culture will be celebrated by some of Jamaica’s influencers in various sectors of the society.

Among the many performers will be pastor of Webster Memorial United Church, Rev Astor Carlyle, who will pay tribute to Ken Boothe, while academics Professor Donna Hope and Dr Sonjah Niaah will present a sound system segment, featuring media and stage personality ‘Miss Kitty’, as well as DJs Russ Buss and Kevi the Kenetic.

“This year’s line-up will have few repeat performers,” Cordel Green, chairman of the show’s planning committee, said, adding that there are some 20 new faces. He explained that several well-known persons from different professions have volunteered to perform to raise funds for the over 500 wards of the Mustard Seed Communities. So far, the show has raised nearly $100 million.

Green revealed that Roy Rayon and Eric Donaldson, who dominated the annual Festival Song Competition for years, will be on stage. So, too, will be Notis Heavyweight Rockaz Band, having returned home from an extensive tour of Europe with their unique reggae sound, and Neisha Yen-Jones, professional dancer and star of the Lion King, who will perform with her daughter.

Hugh Faulkner (aka Hugo Barrington), executive director of the Legal Aid Council, has been preparing a special act, actress Camille Davis will pay tribute to Miss Lou, in her 100th anniversary year, while Caroline Hay, QC, Corporal Arlene McBean, the first female chairman of the Jamaica Police Federation, and Pamputtae, dance hall artiste and founder of the Single Mother Foundation, are confirmed for the line-up.

The organisers are promising that rib-tickling moments will come from Dufton ‘Duffy’ Shepherd and Christopher ‘Johnny’ Daley.

“We expect to have unlikely pairings of some of the island’s most respected professionals performing acts that will have patrons in awe, all to help raise funds for the Mustard Seed Communities. Rehearsals have been under way in earnest in recent weeks and acts are being choreographed to maximise their talents and to unveil those that have never been seen on stage in Jamaica before,” said Green.

The production is being directed by Michael Holgate.