All-star line-up for Ghetto Splash

The 34th staging of the annual free show, Ghetto Splash, gets under way at the Waterhouse Mini Stadium in Drewsland on Tuesday, December 19, and conceptualiser, Patrick Roberts, is showcasing an all-star line-up of reggae and dancehall acts.

"It's Ghetto Splash and we always have the biggest of the biggest acts," Roberts said confidently. "Most of the artistes buy into the concept of giving back to the fans and those who have supported them throughout the year, so it is their pleasure to come and perform for free at Ghetto Splash and we are appreciative."

Confirmed for the much anticipated pre-Christmas bash are top-tier artistes such as Capleton and Sanchez, who will be performing with his band; dancehall giants Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, Aidonia, Tommy Lee Sparta and Govana, as well as Jesse Royal, Jahshii, Jahvillani, Pablo YG, Bayka, Jahfrass, Jah Vinci and Kash.

"We also have the three big artistes out of Downsound Records camp ... Harry Toddler, Marcy Chin and D'Yani. And also this year we have two female artistes who are flying in from overseas ... Megan Soo from Canada and Yeshu Renee from England ... and an emcee out of England who is already in the island," Roberts added.

Roberts, who is still confirming acts for the event, still has a small headache called sponsorship, without which Ghetto Splash cannot be a reality. However, as he has done in previous years, he is "moving full speed ahead by faith, not by sight" and took time to welcome on board new sponsors, CIGA Records - Beenie Man's new management team - and Ripton Construction.

"There are persons in the business who understand the importance of a Ghetto Splash and I have to big up Clear Sound which provides light stage and sound. Every year they come on board and lower their fees just to make this concert happen. Wisynco has been with us for the last eight stagings and we have Joe Bogdanovich who we can always count on to be generous. We are in dialogue with the CHASE Fund, as well as the ministry of culture ... and we expect them to come through," said Roberts, who guided Beenie Man's career to Grammy award-winning status.

He is also awaiting a response from a mega star who has not performed in Jamaica recently and who has shown interest in being a part of the Ghetto Splash line-up this year.

"I can't call names yet, but his team reached out to us and as long as he can schedule it, he will be here. We feel good about the line-up ... it is on par with, and perhaps even better than, some of the major shows around. We are taking care of business like armbands, proper shirts for the crew and ensuring that Ghetto Splash 2023 will be of the usual high, professional stand," an upbeat Roberts said.

Ghetto Splash had its first staging in 1989 in Craig Town.