COVID quiets Kingston’s hip strip - Olympic Way entertainment venues not having a booming season

There is no speaking about Jamaica's entertainment scene without mentioning Olympic Way and the neighbouring Kingston 11 communities.

Dubbed the entertainment hip strip of Kingston, the area feeds not only the hunger for reggae and dancehall culture, but supports the livelihoods of everyone from artistes and disc jockeys to the pan chicken and soup man. All have been struggling since COVID-19 lockdowns were imposed.

When THE STAR visited Boom All Stars HQ, home to events like Braff & Brunch and Boom All Stars Sound Clash, industry professionals were relaxing at the usually busy space. Among those present was record producer Lloyd 'John John' James, who said the hip strip has, "for the most part, been quiet."

He said Olympic Way has been understanding of the Government's COVID rules, and residents are following all the necessary protocols. He opined that the illegal parties in other areas did not play a big part in the Government's decision to impose a tighter curfew during the holiday period. "We are feeling the strain but all decisions were necessary," he said. Veteran music producer Arthur Wale chimed in, saying "people are looking ahead and maintaining a positive attitude".

"The illegal parties didn't cause this. Memba we are going into the festive season and nuff people looking to return home, or visit for the purpose of vacation, so the people at the head are looking ahead," Wale said. "The first case of the virus was from England and then America come bruk out we ... all that is being done is in light of how many people were getting sick. So when they say 11 o'clock or whatever time (for curfew), with 15 persons, it still mean no gathering, 'cause is a serious thing same way."

Event promoter Anthony 'New Kidz' Bennett and sound system selector DJ Ruxie said All Stars HQ is a place where they can come and reason.

"We nuh ramp with the 'without permit' events. Yuh see wah day yah when the place did open up back and them say no more than 280 persons in a venue, it did a werk enuh, man, but on this strip it makes no sense you try have no party without following all the protocols," DJ Ruxie said. "Is just that it affect the earnings of a man, all a likkle man weh a sell cigarette inna di dance to the pan chicken man."

Bennett said that even with the nightly curfew, the people still show their support for events.

He continued: "Now pan chicken man a come out in the day to make a money. This shows us that coming out early makes more sense and all that has happened probably will change the way people party when things start up again."

Other popular venues in the area are Pilly Blacks Plaza and Cling Cling Oval. At the nearby Frenz For Real recording studio, CEO and owner Omar 'Benji' Benjamin told THE STAR that different activities are taking the spotlight.

"No parties are happening but we see a lot more cake sales and cookouts where people are just looking for a little support, especially as the holiday approaches. For persons who are used to coming into this area for the nightlife, it may be seen as quiet," Benjamin said.