Barbara Ellington, Senior Gleaner Writer
Cliff
SINGER, SONGWRITER, actor Jimmy Cliff, will not be performing at this year's Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival, as was previously announced.
Speaking with The Gleaner, Cliff who arrived in the island on Sunday night, said contrary to advertisements in some areas of the press, he would not be appearing at this year's festival, set for January 27-29.
NEGOTIATIONS BROKE DOWN
"I had every intention to perform, but negotiations broke down before we signed a contract and I will not be on the show," the singer said while noting that he will still be performing at this weekend's Rebel Salute in St. Elizabeth.
He said further that he is sorry to disappoint his fans but organisers of the jazz festival went ahead and advertised his participation in the show, prior to the completion of contract talks.
"In interviews with the media recently, I also said I would be performing because at the time, we (organisers and myself), were talking; but that was before the contract signing," Cliff said.
Carlette DeLeon, a publicist with the jazz festival's organisers, told The Gleaner that unfortunately they were not able to accommodate Cliff this year but hope it would be possible in the future. She further said that they had advertised his participation on their website and in press releases but had subsequently pulled his name from the line-up.
A check with the festival's website yesterday however still showed Cliff as being on the list of performers slated to take the stage on January 27.
