Ghetto Splash is ‘touch and go’

While admitting that Christmas looks "bleaky" this year, Patrick Roberts, founder of the annual free concert Ghetto Splash, is remaining hopeful and adopting a wait-and-see approach as it regards the staging of the event.

"Ghetto Splash is traditionally held on the third Tuesday in December and we are ready to go, but it all depends on what the prime minister says on or before December 10. If the place open up, we will certainly be having the show. Maybe we have to change the date, because it will take a little time to get all the necessary permits. But we are keeping our options open," Roberts told THE WEEKEND STAR. "And we have to remember that in Jamaica, nothing dies, so Christmas cyaan dead. We have that spirit and will always find a way to make things happen."

Roberts has ruled out any virtual staging this year, having made plans to venture into that space last year before ditching them.

"The virtual cost is actually just like keeping a real stage show. Last year, we ended up editing excerpts from previous years and showing it. Now, our focus is on live. The artiste dem tired to sit down and dem just waiting to buss weh on a big show," the concert promoter and record producer stated.

Roberts was reluctant to share a possible line-up for the event, but he emphasised that "as usual, there will be the big names".

"Ghetto Splash has always attracted all the major artistes and this time around, it will be no different. Of course, we will continue to shine a spotlight on up-and-coming acts," Roberts said.

Ghetto Splash had its first staging on December 17, 1989 at the Craig Town square and grew every year for the next six years until the promoters were forced to take a short break, after which they found a new home.

One of the more memorable stagings was in 1996 when the event drew close to 50,000 people at the National Heroes' Park. Ghetto Splash staged a huge 30th anniversary celebration in December 2019. It was a joint effort between Downsound Entertainment and Shocking Vibes Productions.