Brooklyn, N.Y. February, 16th 2010... The Coalition to Preserve Reggae Music (CPR) says a group of panelists and commentators will lead the discussion “The Buju Banter: Should communities defend or denounce accused artists before evidence and verdict are known?” at the season premier of the organization’s Community Conversation Series. The forum which comes on the heels of a year of multiple cases of reggae and dancehall artists facing criminal charges is being staged in collaboration Reggae AMPPS (Reggae Artist, Musicians, Producers, Promoters and Songwriters).


The forum takes place at 6:30pm on Wednesday, February 24th at the Boys and Girls High School, 1700 Fulton Street near Utica Avenue in Brooklyn. Panelists include attorney-at-law and long time radio host Jeff Barnes; renowned music executive, Maxine Stowe; musician, singer and philanthropist, Mystic Bowie and musician, singer, producer and president of Reggae AMPPS, Ed Robinson. Also scheduled to offer their insights during the evening’s discussion are WHCR radio host, Vinnie B; promoter, Junior “Nakisaki” Lynn; reggae writer, Pat Meschino and Michelle Arthurton of Reggae AMPPS. Each panelist and commentator comes with a distinct outlook and appreciation of this very sensitive issue and will be prepared to banter with the community about this hot button issue.


Sponsors of the event are Caribbean Food Delights and Dennis Shipping. Media partners ZYNC TV, New York Liberty Star and Culture Jam radio 93.5 FM have also helped make the evening possible. The event is free and open to the public but a reservation is required and a suggested donation of $2.00 is requested.