Ghetto Splash full speed ahead tonight despite SOE

It's deja vu for Ghetto Splash promoter, Patrick Roberts, as like last year, a state of public emergency (SOE) was imposed in sections of St Andrew, including in the St Andrew South Police Division in which the Waterhouse Mini-Stadium - the venue for the event -is situated.

But Roberts, just as he was last December, is confident that this will enhance the event, rather than detract from it, as persons will feel safer attending the annual, free dancehall concert. He pointed out that there was, in fact, a slight change, as last year the SOE ended the night before Ghetto Splash. But this year, the security measure started at 12:01 a.m. Friday, December 8 and continues for 14 days.

"It is not unusual for events to get special permission to go ahead during these times. There was a SOE during Sumfest last year and the event went ahead as planned. I applied for and received all the required permits to host Ghetto Splash, and nothing was rescinded. Moreover ... and most importantly ... it's the police division which is in charge of security for Ghetto Splash ... so all is well," Roberts told THE STAR.

He added, "We are going full speed ahead. Actually, we did have what I would call a few hiccups, which were sponsorship related. Unfortunately two of our regular sponsors were not able to come through this year, and with a third there was a big shortfall. But we are still grateful and we have jumped over that hurdle. Service providers are showing their goodwill, and I must say a big shout out to ClearSound who literally saved the day this year. If it wasn't for their generosity and loyalty, perhaps we wouldn't have a Ghetto Splash [tonight]. I was ready to pull the plug."

Ghetto Splash, which had its first staging in 1989 in Craig Town, is enjoying its ninth staging at the Waterhouse Mini-Stadium, which it now calls home.

Among the artistes confirmed for tonight's show are Capleton, Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, D'Angel, Aidonia, Cham, Tommy Lee Sparta, Louie Culture, Govana, Jesse Royal, Chris Martin, Tarrus Riley, Jahshii, Jahvillani, Pablo YG, Bayka, Jahfrass, Jah Vinci, Kash, Harry Toddler, Marcy Chin, D'Yani, Megan Soo from Canada and Yeshu Renee from England. Roberts shared that there are two special guests who fans have always been asking for, but remained tight-lipped.

"Jamie [his son] and dem talk and everything seal up ... but we we want it as a surprise. As usual, we will start with the selectors juggling and we have Boom Boom and Harry Hype, Bredda, Bishop Escobar, DJ Chronicle and Tony British. Then we will have the 'one-and-go' segment for young acts and Ruff Kut will start showtime. We are inviting everybody to just come out and enjoy Ghetto Splash," Roberts said.