Curtis Campbell, Gleaner Writer

Jamaica-based record label and promotions company Hapilos Entertainment is gearing up to host the first staging of Illumina, The College Edition. The hope is that it will pull in college students from just about anywhere, locally or internationally.

Though the promoters are not college students, Hapilos Entertainment is determined to raise the bar as it relates to the presentation of local events.

"The concept of college parties has to do with being young, hot and hype and just living every day like it's your last. So at Illuimina we want to bring that type of vibe, where our patrons can be expressive in their image and even the presentation package with music reflecting youthfulness," said Donna, the secretary at Hapilos Entertainment.

Charged with spreading Jamaican music to different areas of the world, the company also hopes to develop a young following.

"Hapilos Entertainment is definitely the record label of the future and so we are very much interested in student development as well as we want to tap into the youth market. Because as we grow from strength to strength, the participation of the youth will be valuable in our development as an authentic Jamaican company. So Illumina is also a move to get college professionals interactive with the movement," Donna said.

The event will be executed at Constant Spring Golf Club, St Andrew, on Thursday, March 28, and, according to Donna, the promotions are looking positive.

"We have a strong team of vibrant people and we are making the necessary moves. We were recently at UWI Carnival for all four days and the students reacted positively. We are just hoping for the best outcome. This is not something you will experience at a street party. This is exotic, so Illumina is defiantly a positive look," Donna said.

There will be feature guest performances from recording artistes Flexxx, formerly of Mavado's Gully Side camp, Anarchie and Gyal A Gimme Bun singer I-Octane. Illumina will commence at 7 p.m. and is slated to end at 3 a.m.

youthful experience

DJs booked to deliver the youthful musical experience to partygoers include DJ Flabba Dabba, DJ Arif Cooper and Rebel Sound.

"We have good DJs and hot artistes booked and, with an entertainment package that is as diverse as this one, patrons are sure to get value for every dollar that they will spend," the promoter said.

Security will be provided by police personnel as well as specially hired bouncers. College students with ID will be charged $800 presold and $1,200 at the gate, while general admission stands at $1,000 presold and $1,500 at the gate. Tickets are available at Xtra's Manor Park Plaza, Xtra's Mall Plaza and Di Trendz Clock Tower. For more information patrons can visit www.hapilos21.com.