Gospel, dancehall blend for PAN-X MoBay

Gospel veteran Lubert Levy will share the stage next weekend with King of the Dancehall Beenie Man and Way Up artiste Chi Ching Ching when he ministers at Regional 2 of PAN-X, hosted by CB Foods on Saturday, September 26.

The live performances, to be hosted by popular comedians Dufton Shepherd and Ity & Fancy Cat, are expected to bring an exciting end to a fun-filled day, as the curtains close on the 2015 regional elimination round of CB PAN-X, Jamaica's largest cooking competition.

This delicate mix of secular and gospel has helped to propel the event, said Alicia Bogues, brand manager, CB Foods Ltd, and PAN-X is now arguably one of the most anticipated events on the national entertainment calendar.

"PAN features something for everyone and, though we have a stage show, it's really about the creativity of the pan men and women. They put in so much effort to wow the crowds with their dishes and tantalise your taste buds. And we all know Jamaicans really love music, but there were so many requests for a gospel act, so we listened. The inclusion of powerful gospel ministers alongside top artistes has become a staple at PAN and the mix has been successful. Each year, we've seen a consistent increase in the numbers of interested participants and patrons," Bogues said.

Next Saturday's event at Dump-Up Beach, which starts at noon, will see contestants from St Ann, Hanover, Westmoreland, St James, St Elizabeth and Trelawny battle in a searing cook-off, for cash prizes, parish bragging rights and a place at the November final. Admission is free.

"Traditionally, Dump-Up Beach, MoBay has been our biggest, most electrifying regional, and with this line-up, we don't expect this year to be any different," Bogues said.