The organisers of the inaugural World Sound System MusicFestival, originally scheduled for October 13 and 14 at the Constant Spring Golf Club, have announced that the event has been postponed.
The two-day musical feast intended to showcase 16 of the top sound systems from across the globe, including overseas sounds such as Shashamane International (Africa), Downbeat The Ruler (United States), One Love (Italy), Saxon High Power (United Kingdom) and King Turbo (Canada).
Internationally acclaimed singer Freddie McGregor, whose Big Ship Productions was at the helm of the production, said the postponement was regrettable.
“We all wanted this event to be a reality for this year and we really did our best to get things moving. We had commitments from sponsors, for which we are grateful, but, unfortunately, we had difficulties with getting the necessary work permits in time for the event. Therefore, we had to take the painful decision to postpone the festival until next year,” McGregor explained.
COULD NOT BE SCALED DOWN
According to producer, Ricky Chin of Ricardo Chin Production Services, the two-day festival was of such magnitude that there was absolutely no way that they could have scaled down without compromising the production.
“The World Sound System Music Festival is no ordinary event. We are talking about 16 of the highest-ranking sound systems drawn from the four corners of the earth housed in one venue, which we plan to transform into the wickedest dancehall anywhere on planet Earth. We expect the entire Jamaica – and music fans from across the world – to be part of this history-making event, and because of that, we just could not afford to compromise anything production-wise,” said Chin.
Chin was still hopeful that the postponement would not be detrimental to the promotion of the event.
“We are hoping that the World Sound System Music Festival will put Kingston on the map as the entertainment capital of Jamaica,” Chin declared.
The festival is now scheduled for 2013, and according to McGregor, he and his team will be working assiduously to stage a magnificent event that truly pays tribute to the important role the sound system has played in the development of Jamaica’s music.
“The sound system is where it all started and the World Sound System Music Festival is acknowledging and paying tribute to the ‘sound’. We owe a great debt of gratitude to persons like the great Count Machuki, Sir [Clement] ‘Coxson’ Dodd, Duke Reid and all the early pioneers whose vision and ingenuity have made all of what is happening with our music possible.
“And, as Jamaicans, we need to come out and celebrate our rich musical heritage. The youngsters will learn a lot about our music and those with experience will get a chance to relive those glorious days,” said McGregor.
The captain of the Big Ship, while noting that the theme of the event will remain the same: ‘The Lights and Sounds of Jamaica’, apologised to the sound system owners, the selectors and all those who were looking forward to the event.
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