Ricky Trooper to be honoured

Legendary dancehall selector Ricky Trooper is set to receive a special tribute at the highly anticipated third staging of the Essence of Reggae Music Festival on Saturday, February 3.

This tribute honours Trooper's long-standing and invaluable contributions to the music industry.

Festival organiser Comar 'Frankie Music' Campbell said, "Honouring Ricky Trooper is only fitting within the scope of Reggae Month. He has been a true ambassador for the genres and the culture, and we need to recognise and appreciate that, instead of waiting until they have passed to give them their flowers."

Trooper has cemented his status as one of the 'baddest' selectors in the business, having operated for years as the 'sound killer' on Killamanjaro before establishing his own sound system, Sound Trooper.

A stellar line-up of talent has been booked for the festival. The headliners include Sizzla Kalonji, Bugle, Richie Spice, Queen Ifrica, I-Octane, Laa Lee and Jahshii, all of whom will contribute to the essence of Trooper's influence. DJs Kurt Riley and JJ Whizzle will provide energy between sets.

The festival will take place at Police Officers' Club on Hope Road, St Andrew. Frankie Music, a Grammy-winning producer, said a significant component of the event will be a workshop focused on the music business. He said several key professionals will share their knowledge and expertise about different areas of the industry during the day session, before the performances ignite the stage in the night.