All systems go for Lost In Time Festival
Published:Friday | February 24, 2023 | 12:12 PMAaliyah Cunningham/Gleaner Writer
Reggae artiste Protoje is in full production mode with the Lost In Time Festival just a day away. According to him, ticket sales for the event are on track as he and his team aim to provide a unique experience for patrons, and also fully embrace the creative and artisan community.
“Ticket sales have been going well,” he said as he urged people to get theirs soon because space is limited.
He also added that the plans have been coming together despite a few bumps in the road, that he believes are common with any event production. The Lost In Time Festival, set for Hope Gardens on Saturday is said to be unlike any other hosted on the island before. It features two stages, various food vendors and plenty creative and artisan booths for patrons to check out. Nevertheless, the artiste said the show is not just about entertainment, but also about the value it brings to community.
“Apart from it impacting Jamaica on a national level, we are providing jobs for a lot of local persons ... from creatives, food artisans, local security personnel, craft vendors and more. This is important because with the number of people we are expecting, persons will be able to make a profit and a good impression through the support of the patrons. To provide jobs through this type of event also provides hope for persons so they can have other options apart from a 9-5, they can actually monetise their talents by doing something they love,” he said.
He also added that it is great place for others to support the creative community in Jamaica.
“Local creatives are extremely talented and they are excited to work and learn. Helping them through providing a platform to showcase their work also directly benefits me and my team because it keeps our productions and content, etc fresh, innovative and unique,” Protoje said.
Artistes, such as Lila Ike, Mortimer, Jesse Royal, Jaz Elise, Naomi Cowan, Yaadcore, Ras-I, Samory I and Tessellated are billed to perform alongside Protoje who said that he, as well as the other performers, has been putting in the work to deliver a stellar show.
“Rehearsals have been going great. I always like playing music and putting together the setlist for special performances with my band. We have had a few special guests pass through, as well, so really looking forward to a great show,” he shared.
“We have some of the very best Jamaican artistes on the line-up who will be giving stellar performances ... they have been rehearsing and putting in the work for their set,” Protoje continued.
As he continues to prepare for the show, the Like Royalty singer said he has learned many lessons while putting together this event and was able to step into unchartered territory.
“I’ve learned a lot about production ... the administration, communication, expectations, budgets ... and what it takes to really produce an event at this magnitude. I took off my artiste hat and wore that of a student and director,” he said.
As for his plans for the rest of 2023, Protoje revealed that he plans to be on the road and is excited for the release of the pure roots reggae version of In Search of Lost Time and fans can expect new music soon.