As the internationally recognized dancehall artiste, Andrae Sutherland, widely known as “Popcaan” continues his quest for socio-economic development for his home parish, St. Thomas, several stakeholders joined him at his media launch for the second staging of Unruly Fest, held at New Kingston on October 30.

Dancehall entertainer Popcaan speaking at the media launch for the second staging of Unruly Fest on December 21 (Photo: Don Waysome/BUZZ)

Popcaan revealed that the second staging of his international festival is slated for December 21. Last year, the event attracted over 15,000 patrons around the globe, with plans to double the turnout for this year’s staging. The event will be held at the former Goodyear Factory in his birth parish – St. Thomas.

While everyone was on their toes trying to confirm which international artistes will come onboard for this year at the highly anticipated festival, Popcaan, shared that he will not be releasing the names, but supporters should just show up to be wowed.

“Just pull up and yuh will know,” he told BUZZ.

At last year’s inaugural staging of Unruly Fest, patrons enjoyed performances from international superstars including Drake and Torey Lanes.

Patrons, however, will not be disappointed with the impressive lineup of local dancehall entertainers including Bounty Killer, Capleton, Chronic Law, Agent Sasco, Sizzla, Quada and JaFrass.

He says the cost for the event is nothing compared to the

experience that patrons will be receiving as it is an internationally

recognized event.

 “It is an international event… They (patrons) will get their money’s worth – they will get more than what they actually paid for,” he told BUZZ.

In an effort to reposition St. Thomas as the premier entertainment parish on the island, having garnered the support of the Factories Corporation of Jamaica Limited and the government, his vision is not farfetched.

“Popcaan has come, he has listened, and he has understood, and he has embraced the vision we have for the development St. Thomas. Next year, for Unruly Fest three, you will be on brand new roads,” James Robertson, member of Parliament for Western St. Thomas told BUZZ.

The artiste says that through the recognition

and authority that he has amassed, he is able to show Jamaica that St. Thomas

is moving away from the “Forgotten Parish” narrative.Family

“We have nice beaches; we have nice rivers and we have tourist attractions. I just feel like the power that I have and the exposure, I can use it shed some light on the parish,” he said.

The popular artiste who is known for hit songs such as , Ravin and Family has built on his career’s progression. Earlier this year he signed onto American rap superstar Drake’s record label, OVO. Stronger

The launch also saw the attendance of the Hon. Olivia “Babsy” Grange, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, who lauded the heroic efforts of Popcaan and says this year will be a blast and patrons should look forward to the event.

“Last year, he did well, and I think he will even do bigger

and better this year mainly on the foundations that were laid by Morgan

Heritage, and I want to commend him for that,” she said.