St GEORGE’S, Grenada — A strong cast of Jamaican dancehall/reggae acts, complemented by local artistes, will perform at Sounds of The Caribbean – The Unveiling, scheduled for February 13 at the National Stadium in St George’s, Grenada.

Luciano, I-Octane and Dexta Daps are the Jamaicans on the bill. Grenadian Knajume Mark, of promoters Roots Rock Record Shop and Levelz Entertainment, said she and her colleagues went for variety given the popularity of dancehall/reggae in her country.

“I thought that it was the perfect blend of artistes that would appeal to the youths and also to the mature folks.

Reggae music is a staple in the Grenadian culture. Take for example one of the largest stage shows was that of the late, great Lucky Dube. Thousands of people came out for this event! The largest to date,” Mark told OBSERVER ONLINE.

‘The Unveiling’ also has home grown entertainers such as Mr Killa and Tallpree. The former has performed in Jamaica on Jamaica Carnival.

The show is been held on the weekend Valentine’s Day. It also marks the end of Carnival in Carriacou (a tiny island owned by Grenada) and neighbouring Trinidad.

Mark and her business partners live in the United States but maintain close ties with their homeland, known in the Caribbean as the Spice Isle.

When they came up with Unveiling, they agreed it would not be just another show.

“It all came about when a group of friends and I were discussing the Grenadian culture. We understood that there was more to Grenada than the nutmeg. I came up with the name Levelz Entertainment… for me it was about taking entertainment to a higher level! Outside of the box, hence The Unveiling,” she said.

Like most countries in the Eastern Caribbean, soca is the dominant sound among Grenadians. Reggae, however, has always had a following in the island which has a population of just over 100,000.

Dancehall is big among the youth, with I-Octane and Dexta Daps among the most popular acts.

“I-Octane was chosen because of his versatility… going from culture to dancehall and back. Dexta Daps is soulful and also appeals to the ghetto youths looking for inspiration and solitude,” said Mark.

The promoters hope to make The Unveiling an annual event.

Howard Campbell