Western Consciousness line-up announced

Adrian Frater, News Editor

Western Bureau:

After inking a sponsorship deal with Britain-based entrepreneur-reggae artiste Levi Roots, businessman Worrell King, the CEO of King of Kings Promotion, has announced a solid all-star cast for Western Consciousness 2013, which will be staged at the Montego Bay Sports Complex on Saturday, April 13.

"We can now announce that we have recruited some of the biggest names on the reggae-music radar, so our fans can look forward to an exciting Western Consciousness," said King. "Personally, I am very pleased with the depth and quality of the line-up."

Headed by the likes of veteran dancehall star Bounty Killer, who will be performing as Rodney Pryce, the line-up also includes Romaine Virgo, veteran songbird Marcia Griffiths, and the Messenger, Luciano.

"As everyone knows, Western Consciousness is about clean music devoid of lewdness and controversy," said King. "At a show like this, you will not see a Bounty Killer that is 'cross, angry, and miserable'. You will see a Rodney Pryce belting out conscious social commentary."

SELECTING THE LNE-UP

Cognisant of the fact that Western Consciousness' fan base is made up of music lovers of all ages with diverse tastes, King said a special effort had been made to ensure that both veteran performers and upcoming stars were included in the final package.

In terms of the veterans, the legendary John Hall will lead an impressive pack which includes veteran deejay Big Youth, Edi Fitzroy, Everton Blender, Mutabaruka, Junior 'One Blood' Reid, main sponsor Levi Roots, King Sounds, and Marcia Griffiths, who are all timeless in terms of their musical appeal.

The other acts include A.J. Brown, Agent Sasco, Iyahblazze, Cherine Anderson, I Wayne, and Karen Smith.

In addition to the dazzling Romaine Virgo, the exciting list of young guns includes the likes of Droop Lion, Iba Mahr, Jesse Royal, Nature, Kiara Du'Bwah, True Identity, Wada Blood, and the Uprising Roots.

"I am very excited to have my name linked to such a talented line-up," said Levi Roots. "I believe in giving the people what they want, and this line-up is doing exactly so."

For promoter King, this year marks the 25th edition of the event dubbed 'A Celebration of Good over Evil'.

"This is a most important milestone for us," said King. "In addition to celebrating our 25th anniversary, this is the first time that Western Consciousness is being staged outside of Westmoreland, and it is also the first time that we have had a major sponsor on-board."