THE year 2011 has been one in which the production of mammoth dancehall shows has declined significantly due to the recession. However, the promoters of the event which has what is arguably the longest title — Jagra GT Taylor Christmas Extravaganza — have declared that recession or no recession, the show must go on.

Production is therefore in high gear for this eagerly anticipated calendar event, held annually at Independence Park, Black River, St Elizabeth. Now celebrating its 12th staging, the show will continue with the theme that heralded its mega successful 10th anniversary: Caring and Sharing Through Music.

“After much deliberation, we decided that it was appropriate to use the same theme as last year. We want to get this message home to the users and end users of the music just how important it is that we care and share through music, Happenings in the industry this year have provided a lot of food for thought and it’s about time we put value to our lyrics and how we say the things we say,” executive producer, George ‘GT’ Taylor, declared.

The promoter is still savouring the success of last year’s show, which pundits agree was the best show for the season, and which Taylor says was the best Christmas Extravaganza in the event’s history. He had words of commendation for the sponsors, in particular title sponsor Jagra, the artistes, the band, the production team and, of course, the patrons.

GT has promised that there will be lots of Christmas cheer for ‘Extravaganza’ patrons come December 25, 2011.

The line-up of acts already slated for the event sports all the big, and not-so-big, names in reggae/dancehall music. Among them are Mavado, Bounty Killer, I-Octane, Coco Tea, John Holt, Spice, Romain Virgo, Hezron, Chuck Fenda, Twin of Twins, Macka Diamond, Wayne Marshall, Iley Dread, D’Angel, Lutan Fyah, Professor Nuts, Warrior King, Toya, Villa Dutch, Tiana and Specialist.