KINGSTON, Jamaica – Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange, has hailed the ‘Fun in the Son’ festival as a dynamic product that not only platforms local gospel talent but provides important economic and business opportunities.

“The business linkages that are formed through logistics and planning, internships for young upcoming gospel acts, and the sharpening of creative skills is what makes Fun in the Son dynamic,” she said.

Minister Grange was speaking at the launch of the 2024 staging of the event on Tuesday at the AC Hotel by Marriott in Kingston.

Fun in the Son, a free gospel festival, will be held on Saturday, April 20, at the National Stadium in Kingston from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Activities will get under way at 10:00 am with the Best Dressed Chicken Village at the National Arena, featuring a food court and a youth area.

There will also be a Work and Wellness Hub, which will provide job recruitment opportunities, and health and wellness checks by representatives from the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the Jamaica Medical Doctors’ Association.

Performing artistes for the gospel concert include Kirk Franklin, TobyMac, Kevin Downswell, Jermaine Edwards, Carlene Davis, Petra Kaye, Prince San and many others.

Grange said she is pleased with the growth of the family-friendly event, which attracts thousands of patrons.

“I am happy to see that Fun in the Son is back to bring a safe, enjoyable space where the entire family and community, regardless of religious background and beliefs, can gather and be a part of a fun-filled day of entertainment”, she noted.

She said that music is a powerful medium that has the capacity to excite, incite and bring reconciliation.

“Music is a means of worship, a celebration of life, and music reminds us of the strength we have been given by the creator to persevere through adversity as well as highlight the power music has to bring about positive change,” Grange added.

She commended the titled sponsors, Jamaica Broiler Group for its continuous involvement in the event as the entity celebrates 65 years of service to Jamaica.

Fun in the Son will be held under the theme ‘Music as Mission’.

-JIS