Mel Cooke, Freelance Writer
Entertainer Richie Stephens performs at the Jamaica Social Investment Fund's (JSIF) 10th Anniversary Celebration and Awards Banquet, held at the Hilton Kingston hotel, New Kingston, on Monday, November 27. - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer
The rain delayed but did not deny singer and standout performer Richie Stephens celebrating a double of 'fs' at his Cassandra Avenue, St. Andrew, home on Saturday night.
One was his 40th birthday, the other the 14th staging of Ocean Spray Unity Splash at the Llandilo Cultural Centre near to Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland, which will take place on January 1. Among the featured performers are Beenie Man, Ninja Man, Cocoa Tea, Capleton, Morgan Heritage, Fantan Mojah, Tarrus Riley, Spice, Natural Black, Leroy Smart, Gregory Isaacs, Lutan Fyah, Da'Ville and General Degree, as well as Stephens himself.
Desmond Young, president of the Jamaica Federation of Musicians (JFM), gave an indication of Stephens' roots in his address, saying he first saw him on the north coast with the Elements Band. "Him did have hair dem time deh an' did a sing like Dennis Brown, wicked like Dennis Brown," Young said.
"Richie is an example to other artistes out there. Outside of being a wicked singer he is a very good person," Young said, saying that he is kind and always giving back, so "that is why he has one of the biggest shows in Jamaica."
That kindness is key to Ocean Spray taking on title sponsorship for the first time this year, William Mahfood of WISYNCO saying "one of the things that is important to me is the work Richie Stephens is doing down in the infirmary." And there was also the first-time experience of attending the show last year, Mahfood saying that it was a top quality presentation.
Denise 'Isis' Miller of Roots FM noted Stephens' contribution to the Savana-la-Mar Infirmary and other institutions.
Happy moment
And a smiling Richie Stephens said that "tonight is a very special night for me ... I am very happy to live to see 40. Nowadays, many people no live to see 20."
He said that Unity Splash started as a very small show, with the intention being to build a basic school. After many years of trying, he was introduced to the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF), which injected over $6 million and the school now has over 80 students.
He noted that the show still gives back to the community, as the Pot of Gold Football Competition is sponsored through Unity Splash and that with Ocean Spray's involvement, the production team can now focus on putting more cash into the concert.
With a drum set set up on the small stage, Stephens said "tonight is also a night of music. So many artistes in the house, so we are just going to have a jam."
