Thanksgiving at Weddy Weddy anniversary tonight

Trendsetting dancehall event, Weddy Weddy, this year celebrates 19 years of continuous partying every Wednesday, except during the pandemic-enforced lockdowns.

Tonight, Stone Love sound system will "tun up the volume till it buck" as dancehall fans are anticipated to turn out for a celebration of life, even as late deejay Merciless will be specially remembered.

"Merciless a our boy. A we buss him," Stone Love owner Winston 'Wee Pow' Powell stated. "So, of course, we have to have a segment [tonight] that is dedicated to the great Leonard and play all the big tunes that are his legacy. Howdy!"

It was at a Stone Love session at the then House of Leo on Cargill Avenue in St Andrew that Merciless got his first big break when he voiced a dub plate for the sound which was played there in prime time.

"All now I can still hear, see and feel that forward. That was definitely a great House of Leo moment and we have had many," Powell said with a mixture of nostalgia and pride.

Tonight's programme will see a lot of prizes and surprises as well a a steady stream of artistes who, as usual, will be passing through.

"Artistes galore for sure. See how I am rhyming like Leonard," Powell said in his best Merciless voice.

He explained that coming out of the pandemic, this anniversary is just a time to "give thanks to be outside with friends and enjoy good music". Unlike previous years, there will not be the plethora of awards to artistes, dancers and fans, along with the crowning of Miss Weddy Weddy.

"We would love to do all of that and more but the truth is that in this climate, funds are scarce for everybody, even the sponsors, and we have to understand. We have to big up Guinness for coming on board and offering special bucket deals for our patrons. We appreciate it. This is a time for us to be thankful and not take anything or anyone for granted. We will be celebrating our anniversary, our lives, friendships and good music," Powell said.

Weddy Weddy, which is a weekly staple at Burlington Avenue in St Andrew, is that musical space where selectors 'buss' songs, artistes drop by to see and be seen, and where dancehall fashion meets style.