ALMOST three years after postponing what would have been its inaugural show, singer Freddie McGregor will stage the World Sound System Music Festival in South Florida.

The event takes place on Memorial Day Weekend (May 22-23) at Central Broward Regional Park in Fort Lauderdale.

A number of popular sound systems and 14 selectors from Jamaica, Miami, New York and Toronto will participate. On opening day, dancehall fans will hear Body Guard and Silver Hawk from Jamaica; ‘homeboy sounds’ King Waggy T and Supa Sound; and King Turbo out of Toronto.

The second day is a showcase for ‘vintage’ selectors including Jamaican disc jockeys Mikey Thompson and Collin Hinds as well as Miami sound system Mello Canary.

McGregor told the Jamaica Observer that he is relieved to finally make this concept reality.

“I tried doing it three years ago at Constant Spring Golf Club but didn’t get much support by way of sponsorship, hence the reason for South Florida,” he said.

He added that the event will be more than just sound systems playing music.

“It’s a chance to present the sound system in a proper venue with proper lights, sound and production and to present them in a festival atmosphere.”

McGregor’s Big Ship Productions was behind the show that was scheduled for October 2012. It was also down for two days with 16 sound systems including Shashamane International (Africa), One Love (Italy) and Saxon High Power (United Kingdom) on the bill.

— Howard Campbell