A MIX OF OLD AND NEW ACTS will grace the Digicel Reggae Festival this year, most noticeably at the crowd-pulling Reggae On the Hill.
And for the first time in its 13th staging, it will have the Barbados Community College Reggae Ensemble onstage.
Promoter of the festival Al Gilkes made the revelations at a Press launch minutes ago at the 3Ws Oval.
“We have made an effort to always showcase new and upcoming talent and this year we decided to go with talented bunch. Of note Buggy Nahkente and the Fully Loaded Band will also be performing at that event, after a five-year haitus.”
Gilkes said they have 101 sponsors – using the term loosely – with many not providing monetary support, but still making an impact.
In 2006, Digicel assumed title sponsor and Gilkes said it had been a feasible agreement.
“To have continuous support over the years, we have been grateful.”
The festival kicks off on April 23 with the beach party at Pirates Cove with Jamaican headliners Demarco, Masicka and Konshens. The trilogy kicks off on April 28 with the Vintage Reggae Show and Party at Kensington Oval with Jamaicans Glen Washiongton, Pinchers, Flourgon and Little John.
“We are pleased to have a special act in Shirley Stewart and the Escorts International on stage,” said Gilkes.
For the party cruise on the 29th, there will be a host of deejays and the festival is capped on April 30 on The Hill with Jamaicans, Jahmeil, Cocoa Tea, PopCaan, Capelton, Sanchez and Spragga Benz.
“The cry every year is that the locals don’t get to shine so this year we have three Jamaica acts, seven Bajans and 11 Djs for the Beach. For the Hill we have seven Jamaicans, nine locals and nine Djs.”
There will be a special bus service for Vintage Reggae and Reggae on the Hill. (NS)