Curtis Campbell, Gleaner Writer

Dancehall artiste/promoter Chozzen has collaborated with Magnum and Pepsi to host the first Clarendon Seafood Festival. One leg of the event has already been held in Spanish Town. However, like a franchise, it's now time for the festival to spread its wings to a new geographical location.

Therefore, the second part of the Clarendon Seafood Festival will be held at Lieba Esso Tiger Mart open lot, 28 Manchester Avenue, May Pen, on Sunday. Chozzen says May Pen is the right place for his event.

"We started this event last year in Spanish Town and the response that we got from patrons was encouraging. I am someone who grew up between Spanish Town and Clarendon, so I am familiar with both surroundings, and from what I know May Pen is one of the fastest growing rural areas in Jamaica. The venue is quite central and provides easy access for vehicular traffic, so patrons should find it quite easy to get there. Even patrons from Kingston can get there in 25 minutes or less via Highway 2000," he said.

intent on diversity

According to the promoter, his team is intent on giving patrons diversity in entertainment.

"Food is a big part of Caribbean culture. It's one of the things that set us apart from other places. However, the musical aspect tends to be given more attention. Being a musician/promoter myself and the team basically wanted to host an event that is not just about duplicating played-out concepts, so why not merge food and music? I mean, it's not a concept that is totally new, but it shows diversity. We have good food and a decent crop of entertainers to deliver a good, rounded experience to the Clarendonians," Chozzen said.

Artistes billed to perform on the stage show element of the Clarendon Seafood Festival include Beenie Man, Blak Ryno, K Palmer, Swift Star, Stylysh, High Voltage, Highlight, Kishanti, Tanto Blacks, Memzay, Sashae, Fame Grizzle, Specialist, Conquer Dem, Diego San, Juggla, G Whizz and D'Angel.

Music for the event will be provided by Chub Roc, aka King Kong, and Clarendon-based DJ Sala.

wide array of seafood

The festival will showcase a wide array of seafood, prepared by credible local chefs. The promoter promises affordable prices and an environment fit for family. There will be a Kiddies Village supported by Tropicana, which will be open at 10 a.m. The festival is expected to run from then until 2 a.m., with showtime at 9 p.m.

Admission is $300 for children, $700 for adults presold and $1,000 at the gate. Tickets can be purchased at May Pen Ice and Lieba Esso Tiger Mart.

"If you want to chill with your family on a Sunday evening and eat some good food in a clean, safe and family-oriented environment, then Clarendon Seafood Festival is the place to be on February 24. I want to say thanks to my sponsors and partners Pepsi, Magnum, Tropicana - just about everybody who helped to make this possible," Chozzen said.