Ninja Man hosts birthday party at Turtle River Park

Curtis Campbell, Gleaner Writer

Deejay Ninja Man's birthday party is set to take place on Saturday, January 25, at Turtle River Park, Ocho Rios, St Ann, and will feature a number of top Jamaican artistes.

This will be the second consecutive year that Ninja Man has opted to use the Turtle River Park venue. According to him, the show enjoyed a huge turnout in 2013 and he is looking to capitalise on that momentum.

Ninja Man is optimistic that his party will go past the 2 a.m. cut-off time stipulated under the Noise Abatement Act. With numerous requests for a time extension, the Ocho Rios police and the event's organisers are working towards an official time for the show to end. "So far, the negotiations are going well with the police officers for a time extension so that the people can have fun," Ninja Man said.

However, Ninja Man is also doing what he can to not have the event go on too late. "In the meantime, we want to start early so that we can get as many performances as possible, because we have the young talent segment and the developed artiste segment," Ninja Man said.

He raised the possibility of a lyrical encounter. "I might even throw in a $100,000 clash," the deejay said.

In the run-up to this year's staging, the appearance of rising reggae star Chronixx and the ever-smooth Beres Hammond are two of the main talking points. Other top names already confirmed are deejays Bounty Killer, Lady Saw, and Capleton, as well as the Downsound group of recording artistes, led by Nature.

The stage show in the night is not the only attraction, as a Fun Day for the children will commence at 10 a.m. According to Ninja Man, the venue will be outfitted to accommodate the Fun Day the day before, so the children will have access to the entertainment gadgets from very early. "Kids can come out early and have fun because we are setting up early," he said.

In terms of accessing tickets, Ninja Man said "tickets will be sold at the gate, but we might announce some ticket locations as the event draws near".

This year, Ninja Man will be going on a major European tour, organised by Downsound Records, Contractor Music Marketing and a Polish promoter. His birthday bash will also be marketed by Contractor Music Marketing.

Last year's show saw performances from General Trees, I-Octane, Beenie Man, Vegas, Elephant Man, Cocoa Tea, Sizzla and Professor Nuts, among others.

"So remember, no violence. It's a celebration just to give thanks to God and big up yourself. Just come out and have some fun," Ninja Man invited.