Dancehall artistes 450, Malie Donn, and Darmain Stiile will be headliners of the inaugural Welcome to Ochi (WTO) dancehall and soca event on December 17.

The event, which will be hosted by Dancing Rebel, is slated for Bay Beach, Ocho Rios, St Ann.

“The selection of our headline artistes for Welcome to Ochi was meticulously curated to ensure a dynamic and unforgettable experience for our audience,” co-organiser of the event Khmany Thomas told the Jamaica Observer‘s Splash.

“Malie Donn, a captivating artiste, was chosen for his ability to encapsulate the essence of Jamaica in his music, particularly in the realm of enjoying life and the vibrant energy we aim to resonate at WTO. His songs resonate with the crowd, creating a connection that we believe will enhance the overall atmosphere of the event. [Artiste] 450, an international sensation and heartthrob, was a natural choice due to his widespread appeal, especially among the female audience. His music perfectly aligns with the energetic and lively vibes we intend to showcase at WTO, making him an ideal addition to our line-up,” Thomas said.

He further added: “Darmain Stiile, a rising star with exceptional talent, brings a promise of hits and stellar performances to the entertainment industry. Hailing from St Ann, he adds a touch of local brilliance to the event, inviting everyone to Ochi to witness the emergence of greatness.”

With under a month to go before the event, Thomas says he and his team — which also comprises Ansel Smith and Nathan Palmer — is working cohesively to curate a memorable experience.

“Our preparations have proven to be a valuable learning experience for our team. We deeply appreciate the guidance provided by a few individuals with extensive expertise in this field, who generously shared their insights and support. While we eagerly anticipate acceptance and backing from the companies and organisations we admire, we take pride in our ability to independently address and manage most aspects of our preparations. This underscores the notion that, even when navigating uncharted territory, one can forge a path and surpass expectations, shining brightly to those observing from the sidelines,” he said.

Thomas further said that WTO will combine various elements to separate it from other popular events.

“The uniqueness of Welcome to Ochi lies in its status as an inaugural event, the careful selection of artistes, combining dancehall and soca genres, strategic planning for future events, independent preparations, and the incorporation of both local and international elements, [will contribute] to a one-of-a-kind experience for attendees,” the co-organiser said.