Clarendon Parish Council endorses Rocksteady meets Reggae and Dancehall

Freddie McGregor recalls meeting deejay Vybz Kartel at Boston’s Logan Airport last year and their discussion was largely based on McGregor bringing his Rocksteady meets Reggae show to Jamaica. Only difference, Kartel wanted it to have a dancehall twist. He will get his wish, as on Saturday, May 23, McGregor presents Rocksteady meets Reggae and Dancehall at the Jamalco Sports Club in Halse Hall, Clarendon.



Having recorded in all three genres, it’s only natural that McGregor jumped at the idea of staging an event covering the gamut of Jamaican music. That it is being staged in his home parish, the singer says, is a bonus. “That’s special to me because I’m from Hayes, and truly, Clarendon could use a lift. We are looking at this to become a Clarendon homecoming of sorts,” McGregor said.



Many well-known acts are scheduled to perform at the show, including Leroy Sibbles, former lead singer of the Heptones; John Holt, Dean Fraser, Beres Hammond, Wayne Marshall, Captain Barkey and Wickerman and, of course, Freddie himself.



Milton Brown, mayor of the Clarendon Parish Council, says the event will be beneficial to Clarendon, a parish, which has produced several big reggae and dancehall acts including Toots Hibbert, Denroy Morgan, Cocoa Tea, Jahmali and Merciless. “This is an opportunity to bring persons of all ages to the parish,” Mayor Brown said. “For me, it’s an historical event that can become another (Reggae) Sunsplash.”



Organizers say the Hayes Primary and Junior High Schools, as well as local football teams, will benefit from proceeds of the event.



Freddie McGregor is best known for classic reggae albums like Bobby Babylon and Big Ship, which were recorded during the 1970s and 1980s, respectively. He began his career as a teenager at the hallowed Studio One with his mentor being none other than legendary producer Clement ‘Coxsone’ Dodd. In recent years, Freddie has made the successful transition to show promoter. His Rocksteady meets Reggae show has been a hit with fans in Florida and the US Virgin Islands.



Rock Steady meets Reggae and Dancehall in massive showdown on Saturday May 23 at the Jamalco Sports Complex in Clarendon. Rocksteady The event is sponsored by the RJR Group of Companies, Irie FM, The Gleaner Company, KLAS FM, Xnews, Hotel Versailles Limited, Juici Patties, Cuddyz Sports Bar and Grill, VP Records, Events “R” Us, DE P Car Rental Limited, the Clarendon Parish Council, and takes place at the Jamalco Sports Complex in Halse Hall, Clarendon on Saturday May 23.