Iba Mahr promises early 'Alarm' for 2018

Roots-reggae artiste Iba Mahr is yet again bringing attention to the needs of the Linstead Public Hospital through his annual charity event Tru-Juice Sound Di Alarm Music Festival.

The festival returns for its fourth staging on December 31 at the Dinthill Sports Complex in the singer's home parish of St Catherine.

Last year's staging was met with some delay, but the promoter said measures are being taken to prevent a recurrence.

"We definitely want people to come out early because we're gonna be setting up early, that way we can start early," he said.

Since the show's inaugural staging in 2015, more than J$400,000 have been donated in cash and kind to the hospital.

The singer and show principal said this year's proceeds will help to further improvements at the facility.

He also noted that the event will not only be special because of its cause, but also because of a special performance.

"People a go get fi see me perform my song A Million Thoughts for the first time, so it's gonna be good vibes so people can look forward to it," Iba Mahr told THE STAR.

The song is part of his sophomore album set for release next year.

Other performers are also billed for the show.

"The essence of Sound Di Alarm is about Iba Mahr and friends in concert, so we're gonna have people who are part of the music and reggae fraternity," he said. "We will be having performances from Popcaan, Capleton, Sizzla Kalonji, Beenie Man, and a host of other artistes will be there performing live that people generally don't get to see."

The Linstead Public Hospital was founded more than a century ago and serves the parishes of St Catherine, Clarendon, St Mary, St Ann, and St Andrew.

The Travelling Home singer is currently on the Japan leg of his 'Get Up & Show' tour, in light of his eight-track EP of the same name released in January.