DJ Army marches out for Veterans for Veterans - Virtual event to be held on November 11
Published:Friday | November 6, 2020 | 12:12 AMYasmine Peru/Senior Gleaner Writer
An event utilising a slick play on words is set to unfold in the virtual space on Wednesday, November 11, and for those involved, it is a dream come true.
Organised by the Jamaica Legion Poppy Appeal, the Veterans for Veterans concert will see performances from dancehall deejays who are veterans both in terms of their years of service in the genre and also owing to their ranks in the DJ Army.
Coming to mind immediately are artistes such as Colonel Josey Wales, Admiral Bailey, Major Mackerel, General Trees, Admiral Tibet, all of whom have dubbed themselves with monikers that reflect their military status. They will be joined by the ‘Young Vet’ Chris Martin and dancehall king Beenie Man for a concert to raise funds for real retired and serving soldiers and to highlight the Global Veterans/Remembrance Day initiative.
Lieutenant Colonel Warrenton Dixon, who took over in July as chairman of Jamaica Legions Poppy Appeal, is spearheading this project with military precision. Dixon admitted to The Gleaner that initially, there was subdued hope of raising funds this year, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, but on reflection, he fully embraced the challenge.
“Our forefathers fought the war and dealt with the 1918 pandemic at the same time, so, for us to roll over and play dead just was not an option,” he explained. With the mindset that “the show must go on”, Dixon flipped the annual concert in the garden script and Veterans for Veterans bloomed as part of this year’s Poppy Appeal.
“These artistes are lined up because of their rank, and they are veterans in the industry. It is a concept that I want to push well beyond this year. There is a real possibility of it being a future staple in the Jamaican entertainment calendar, something that people will actually want to pay their money to see,” an enthusiastic Colonel Dixon shared with The Gleaner.
The artistes, he said, bought into the concept immediately, and that was a significant plus. “As soon as it was communicated to them, they were all on board. During this COVID time, we have to see how everybody can help everybody. Our aim is to give the sponsors and patrons an excellent product, and also ensure that the artistes themselves are given a reward for their service, while raising the necessary funds for our veterans,” Dixon elaborated.
He added that already, the diaspora is being very supportive of this virtual concert and the presidents of diaspora groups and ex-soldier associations are on board. Dixon singled out groups from Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States, particularly those from New York, Connecticut and Texas.
Although this is the army man’s first stint as a real concert promoter, he came across quite authentic and is already speaking the language. But he credits that to his military training, and his exceptional team. “As officers in the Jamaica Defence Force, our lives every day is a project. Additionally, we have on our team some persons like DJ Squeeze, who are far more informed and they are making this project work phenomenally. They wind themselves up and let themselves go. I have never worked with a bunch of people who are so energised,” the colonel said in admiration.
Dream concept
For DJ Squeeze, Veterans for Veterans is a dream concept which he has long wanted to bring to life, and he told The Gleaner that the DJ Army is ecstatic. “Admiral Bailey, General Trees, Colonel [Josey Wales] Trees, Mackerel, Tibet, all of them are looking forward to this event. Dem can’t wait,” the producer said.
Veterans for Veterans is the culmination of a planned list of activities which began on October 4 with the Poppy Appeal Drive and Veterans Month launch.
The poppy is used as a symbol of ongoing appreciation for the sacrifices made by military personnel who fought in World Wars I and II, as well as ex-serving and serving military personnel who have served or are currently serving national security interest.
Online tickets are available at www.Carib tix.com/vets4vets, with physical tickets, with coded access being available from JDF ambassadors.
The Veterans for Veterans Virtual Concert thus far has been supported by The RJRGLEANER Communications Group, Jamaica National Group, Sagicor Jamaica, Loop Jamaica, Xsomo Jamaica and Fetedayz IRadio on Mixlr.