Reggae music enthusiasts from around the world are expected to gather in Kingston, the Reggae capital of the world, for the third annual Reggae Music Expo (RME). The expo which is scheduled to take place from February 1-8, 2004, coincides with the annual Bob Marley Week celebration. The event will unfold at the Hilton Kingston Hotel.

It's the first time the RME will be held in the Corporate Area. The first one in 2001 was staged at the Rastafari Beach Village (Flamingo Beach) in Trelawny during the week of Reggae Sumfest. The second one was held the following year in Negril.

The brainchild of Ras Astor Black, the RME provides a platform for emerging artistes, film, and video makers to premiere their projects before an audience of influential members of the film/arts community.

"This eight-day music trade show will bring together buyers and sellers of our music," Black said. He noted that film/video can be of any category, including documentaries on Reggae music and Reggae music animation.

But the week-long event will also include discussions and the showcasing of artistes.

"The Reggae Music Expo is designed for moving Reggae via marketing and promotion through the Rastafari multi-purpose co-operative's effort," Black told the Observer. "The co-operative," he further explained, "includes music, education, agriculture, and tourism."

The format of the RME will see the setting up of booths where participating record producers/distributors will be able to exhibit the works of their artistes with the aid of CDs, audio cassettes and video cassettes.

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