Black Queen to host event in St Ann

Dancehall Black Queen is gearing up to kick off the live stage show event 'From then till Now - Retro meets Dancehall', at the scenic Turtle River Park, Ocho Rios, St Ann, on Saturday.

"The event is being held with a retro party in mind that would take patrons to the era of the 90s to the present with the likes of Frisco Kid, Merciless, Little Hero, Macka Diamond, Chuck Fenda, and Gage, among many more to hit the stage. Several surprise acts who have made their names and are current will also be featured. People are excited about the event," Black Queen, head of BQ Promotions, said.

She is aiming to re-create a family-friendly festival vibe for the event.

"The event would also feature several stalls that offer art and craft items, stalls with food and beverages. There will be a 'herbs zone' and a fun village in the day to capture those early birds that would want to enjoy the sprawling lawns and cool breeze made possible by the well groomed coconut and palm trees spread across the venue," she said.

This is a pre-Reggae Month celebration for the preservation of our culture and music," said Black Queen, who is known for the single Black and Proud.

Black Queen has a long history of tackling social causes.

"It started with Black and Proud, this song is always big on the radio in Black History Month in February, which is also Reggae Month, and I plan to use it as an educational tool for this upcoming generation. We still have issues with our race, loving and embracing ourselves," she said.

Black Queen first made a name for herself with her R&B-flavoured Roll With Me, and another single You Say.