IN an industry where it’s difficult for up-and-coming artistes to get noticed, Fi Di Culture Live is putting them in the spotlight.

“Fi Di Culture Live is a rising annual cultural entertainment event that showcases talented up-and-coming artistes of reggae, dancehall and ‘yaardrap’, alongside relevant headliners. The aim of the event is to be that stage that gives ample exposure to our growing artistes. We believe that Jamaicans are truly talented people. Let’s put this potential to work by building a platform to nurture the development of our creative industries,” conceptualiser Akeem Johnson told the Jamaica Observer’s Splash.

The second staging will be held at C&C South Beach on Brompton Road in Kingston tonight.

Johnson, 24, said he recognised a lack in support of local young talents.

“I used to manage artistes and realised that there weren’t enough platforms for young musicians to network. Also, I was living in LA for school and work, but quickly met with some people in the music industry over there and saw how the US builds a structure for young musicians by touring states and networking at small gigs to build a fan base and attract record labels,” he said.

Headlined by Tessellated, the show will also feature Serani, Ka$h, Projexx, BIVK Hero, Zac Jone$, Yanah, Iotosh, Ricki, Benjamin, X3myst, Heightz, Friday Night Cru, Silva Don, Kid Kalm, Dizzy, Intriket and Brick X Gang.

Part proceeds will be contributed to the musicians, while the rest will go towards next year’s staging.

— Kediesha Perry