In recent weeks there has been a war of words among a number of local dancehall artistes. The verbal attacks began when it is alleged that deejay Alkaline made disparaging remarks regarding not performing for a local audience. Deejay Beanie Man took issue with the statement and thus commenced the verbal warfare.

If Alkaline did make the comment, he seems to be going back on his word as after a nearly three-year absence from the local scene, the popular dancehall artiste is set to perform at New Rules — an event set for Kingston on March 25.

The Jamaica Observer spoke to Monique Stewart who is the general manager of Brownstone Entertainment — one of the promoters of the event. She did not want to divulge the details of the show including venue and the other acts slated to perform, but confirmed that Alkaline — known for hits including Champion Boy, Move Mountains, Block and Delete, Spoil, City and his recent track Microwave — would be on the show.

“We are not able to provide any details at this time, but we will inform the public once more information is available,” Stewart stated.

Despite a proliferation of recorded material, many have noted Alkaline’s absence from the local stage show and live performance scene. Two years ago it was rumoured that he would headline Sting, but that never materialised.

Alkaline burst onto the scene four years ago and was controversial from the onset. Then he claimed to have tattooed his eyes, it later proved to be contact lenses.

— Sade Gardner