KNOWN as the teacher, Macka B, the British- born reggae artiste, performer and activist who has gathered a strong world-wide following, will be among the headliners for Western Consciousness 2010.

Born Christopher McFarlane, in Wolverhampton, he takes his stage name from the Judean rebels against the Romans, the Maccabees. The legendary entertainer with a career spanning over 30 years, Macka B is renowned for his social commentary and respected for always being true to his views. He has been dubbed “a true man of the people”.

On Thursday, April 22, the 2010 staging of Western Consciousness, the annual roots and culture music festival that has been branded as the celebration of good over evil, will be officially launched at the Talk of the Town, Jamaica Pegasus, New Kingston.

This, the 22nd anniversary of the popular King of Kings-promoted music feast, takes place on Saturday, May 22, at Paradise Park, Sav-la-mar, Westmoreland.

The event will continue the rich tradition that has cemented it on the reggae events calendar, as positive lyrics will flow at Paradise Park from the lips of the full slate of the diverse line-up of vintage and contemporary performers.

Other main attractions include Capleton, Tarrus Riley, Jah Cure, Duane Stephenson, I-Octane, Lutan Fyah, Macka B, Chino, Lil Hero, Laden, Princess Tia, Sophia Squire, Lady G, Romaine Virgo, Noddy Virtue, Bugle, Khago, Prophecy, Megano, Chuck Fender, Bescenta, Stream, Jah Youth, Leroy Gibbon, Leroy Brown and many others for whom Omega Element will provide backing.

Ron Muschette of Irie FM fame will share the honour of emcee with Cordell Green from the Broadcasting Commission. Patrons will be at the courtesies of DJ Peck and DJ Taliah’s selections of recorded music.

Leading up to the moment when the curtain goes up on this year’s staging, a number of the entertainers billed have been making the rounds signalling what is in store for the big night.

One such is Lymie Murray who will be returning to Western Consciousness for the third time since his 2003 debut. His last appearance was 2008. Those who caught him during a recent stint at Christopher’s, experienced a satisfying bite of what to expect at the upcoming event as Lymie gave an unforgettable display of showmanship.

A veteran for over 10 years, the former member of the Freddie McGregor’s Big Ship camp, showed off his versatility with a most eclectic set ranging from a profoundly emotional execution of the Wind Beneath My Wings to the Wailers’ Soul Rebel, Bob Marley’s Coming In From The Cold, Peter Tosh’s Equal Rights as well as some of his own material.

This extremely talented artiste who had set the stage for 2010 with his well-received performance at the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival. The next couple of months will see Lymie performing on the West Coast of the United States, as well as releasing his fourth album, Deeper Roots.

And Capleton’s blazing performance recently at the Empress Menen’s birthday celebration at the Ashanti Restaurant at Hope Garden, also made the point in terms of what to expect at Western Consciousness. “More Fyah”, if nothing else.