TWO major events are slated for the Corporate Area today to commemorate the 66th birthday of the "Crown Prince of Reggae" Dennis Brown. The first is a tribute concert at the National Heroes' Park in Kingston, to be followed by another celebration at Reggae Wednesdays at the Festival Marketplace downtown Kingston.

Joseph Junior Lincoln, chairman of the Dennis Brown Foundation, says it is integral that the reggae singer is celebrated each year.

"It's important because it is Dennis Brown. They call him the Crown Prince of Reggae and there's no better description or title than that. He fits that role extremely well. He sold out when he was alive and he is still being sold out today," he told the Jamaica Observer.

The first event, which starts at 3:00 pm, will be hosted by Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia "Babsy" Grange who will also give remarks. Live performances will be provided by saxophonist Dean Fraser, guitarist Earl "Chinna" Smith and Inna Di Yard Binghistra.

Other persons who are expected to be in attendance include: Joseph Junior Lincoln, chairman of the Dennis Brown Foundation; Ewan Simpson, chairman of the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JaRIA); representatives of the Twelve Tribes of Israel; members of Dennis Brown's family and well-wishers. Guests are encouraged to wear white.

Lincoln further said Brown has been the most impactful artiste to emerge from Jamaica, and remnants of his influence are still evident today.

"I've been involved with Dennis since he was 13 and became a father figure for him. I still spend so much time looking after his legacy. There's no artiste that is as loved as Dennis Brown, especially because of the human being he was. He was humble and kind and very respectful," he said.

Meanwhile Reggae Wednesdays, which is being spearheaded by JaRIA, will feature Christopher Martin, George Nooks, and Ras-I. It starts at 6:00 pm.

Marketing Director June Isaacs said it is imperative that Dennis Brown is celebrated each year.

"We have our own celebration and this year it happens to fall on our first Reggae Wednesday, and it's only fitting that we pay tribute," she told the Observer.

Like Lincoln, she believes Brown's legacy must be preserved through celebrations.

"Dennis Brown, being the Crown Prince, he is an outstanding artiste and it is important that we laud him. We hope everything goes well," she said.