By Adrian Frater

 

Like he did last year, Montego Bay-based reggae singer Mackie Conscious will be spearheading yet another major free concert, ‘Entertainers Against Crime and Violence’, to draw attention to the escalating crime and violence, which has already claimed more than 250 lives in St James since the start of the year.

Mackie Conscious
Mackie Conscious

The event, which was a major success in its initial staging last year, will take place on Saturday, December 2, at the Dump Up Beach, which is located at the entrance to the Montego Bay Hip Strip.

“This is to demonstrate that we are tired of this monster called crime and violence, including gender-based violence, which grossly affects every sector of our society, including the entertainment sector,” said Mackie Conscious.

“As entertainers, we believe we need to use our influence to draw attention to this very bad situation.”

Entertainers Against Violence
Entertainers Against Violence

 

Last year’s staging featured some 65 artistes, including the likes of Tony Rebel, Queen Ifrika, Hezron, Nezbeth, Everton Blender, Ninja Man, Mackie Conscious, Stichie, Persons of Interest Band, Dwayne Stevenson, and Shuga.

“While we have not settled on the line-up for this year, we intend to partner with other entities and sponsors to improve on last year’s production because our ultimate aim is to have this call for peace echo all over the parish,” Mackie Conscious said. “We are tired of this monster called crime, and collectively, we have to do something about it.”

Everton Blender featured last year
Everton Blender featured last year

As was the case last year, the entertainment package will feature both gospel and secular artists, who will be performing under the theme, ‘Let Peace Reign Now and Forever.’ In addition to the entertainers, various stakeholders are expected to take the stage with their non-musical plea for peace.

“We will be seeking to solicit the support of as many influential artists as possible because they are probably the best ones to get the message across,” Mackie Conscious said. “We want them to join us in saying we are sick and tired of the crime and violence and we want to see an end to the killing and maiming.”

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