The annual Dennis Brown tribute show will be held at the corner of North and King streets on February 3 as part of Reggae Month celebrations. It was previously staged in front of the famous ‘Big Yard’ (135 Orange Street), birthplace of the crown prince of reggae.

According to chief organiser, Trevor ‘Leggo’ Douglas, the new location will provide adequate accommodation for what is anticipated to be a massive turnout.

Dennis Brown

“Over the years, crowd control was such a challenge for us, we decided to move it (the event) to a wider space,” Douglas told Splash.

Another first for the free concert, now in its fourth year, is sponsorship. Starting at mid-day, it is a joint production by the Dennis Brown Foundation, the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association, KFC, Wisynco and Digicel.

Among the artists confirmed are Ras Michael, The Jolly Boys, Beres Hammond, Tarrus Riley, Duane Stephenson, Luciano, Derrick Harriott, Ken Boothe, John Holt, Freddie McGregor, Big Youth, Max Romeo, Cocoa Tea, George Nooks, Carlene Davis, Bunny Brown and NoMadzz.

Born on February 1, 1957, Brown died July 1, 1999 at age 42. He is recognised as one of Jamaica’s great artists.

His career started in 1968 at age eleven with Harriott producing his first hit, Lips of Wine.

For the next 25 years, he recorded countless hits for many producers including Clement Dodd, Winston ‘Niney’ Holness, Joe Gibbs, Sly and Robbie and Gussie Clarke.

Douglas, who was a close friend of the singer, produced two of his albums, Emmanuel and Victory is Mine.

He spoke of his accomplishments.

“Dennis Brown is beloved all over the world, so we just put on this event to keep his name alive.”