FOR 33 years Ghetto Splash has brought cheer to residents of Waterhouse and adjoining communities during the Yuletide season. This year is no different, according to conceptualiser Patrick Roberts.

“Ghetto Splash is primarily a give-back from the artistes, who perform for free, to the residents of the inner city. I continue to do this event because I believe in giving, and this is a perfect gift for persons who would not usually see these artistes performing,” Roberts told the Jamaica Observer.

After a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19, Ghetto Splash is scheduled for December 20 at the Waterhouse Mini Stadium in Drewsland, St Andrew.

According to Roberts, the line-up of performers is diverse and impressive. Among those confirmed to perform include Govana, Jahvillani, Jahmiel, Deep Jahi, Moyann, Christopher Martin, Marcy Chin, Tarrus Riley, Bounty Killer, Beenie Man, D’Yani, Bayka, Biggs Don, Skeng, Jahshii, Kraff, Brysco, Valiant, Jah Frass, Quada, Kash, Malie Don, Yaksta, Rose Don, Laa Lee, Marksman, 10Tik, Shane O, Munga, D’Angel, and Bugle.

“The vast amount of new crop of entertainers have not been performing live since the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic, so there’s a lot of anticipation from locals and persons from overseas to see them perform. There is also anticipation from patrons who crave for a high-quality produced event that is professionally executed,” said Roberts.

He said one of the challenges faced is getting sponsorship.

“It has been very poor. As I always say, this event, in production, equals a Reggae Sumfest or Rebel Salute. The difference is one is free the others you pay, but same high-quality production, and I don’t know if corporate Jamaica is shying away because of the name. The concept in 1989 was a first-class event for the average person who might not have been able to afford to pay at an event to see their artiste perform. We said we wanted a big, massive event such as Sunsplash, but in the inner city, hence the name Ghetto Splash,” said Roberts.

“I must say thanks again to Joe Bogdanovich of Downsound Records, VP Records, Boom Energy Drink, KSAMC, and CHASE Fund for their eight consecutive years of support,” said Roberts.

Ghetto Splash was first held in Craig Town in Kingston. It was later moved to the National Heroes’ Park in 1996. Since 2012, it has been held at its present venue.