Kavelle Anglin-Christie, Staff Reporter
Damian Marley at the launch of 'Jamrock' in September - FILE
APPLETON JAMAICA Rum unveiled their latest ventures at the Jonkanoo Lounge, Hilton Kingston Hotel, on Wednesday afternoon.
The series is called 'December to Remember' and so far comprises two shows, 'Appleton City' and 'Welcome to Jamrock'.
The emphasis was on 'Welcome to Jamrock' slated for Saturday, December 17, at Cinema 2 in New Kingston.
According to Rupert Bent Snr., manager of BentSpeare Company, the event is "something that was waiting to happen as soon as Damian released Half-Way Tree. In this album it speaks of the themes present today ... And it is there to heighten the consciousness of the people."
Cindy Breakspeare, Damian Marley's mother, said they wanted to put on an event with other entertainers "that would be of like mind and same ilk, so young people could come out ... and the other entertainers would bring attention to various issues he speaks about"
Bent said they had battled with a venue to have the event. "At first we thought of the Constant Spring Golf Club, but then we decided against it because we wanted somewhere where everyone would feel welcome ... As Damian always said he is a mixture of uptown and downtown.
"It was important to Damian to have everyone be able to afford to come," he said. Presold tickets cost $1,000 and the gate price is $1,500.
The performers for the concert are: Damian 'Jr. Gong' Marley, Buju Banton, Morgan Heritage, Richie Spice, Gyptian and Alaine. "We don't want to give anything away, but Damian will have with him the Marley brothers. I won't tell how much ... I will just leave you in anticipation," said Bent.
There was also a viewing of Marley's new video, Road to Zion featuring Nas.
