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December 13, 2007
'East Fest' time again for 2007
By: Jaide Bridge
Photography By: Milton Raynor
After taking a break in 2006, the Red Label Wine 'East Fest' is back with a new corporate sponsor in tow – Digicel. Scheduled for Saturday December 29, the event will be held at the Good Year Oval in Morant Bay, St. Thomas.
Speaking to a zealous group of media, corporate and government folk as well as music industry peeps who gathered at the Hilton Hotel's Jonkoonu Lounge for the event's launch; head producing huncho Denroy "Dada Simeon" Morgan, expressed gratitude to all supporters of the 'East Fest' family. The endearing patriarch of the Morgan family whose lineage includes illustrious reggae greats, Morgan Heritage, presented a brief synopsis on the divinity of His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Haile Selassie I.
Filling the atmosphere with a spiritual aura, "Mr. I'll Do Anything For You" placed great emphasis on the importance of family values. The father of more than 25 children shared his winning, tried and true philosophy, saying, "A family that prays together stays together."
The Honorable Olivia 'Babsy' Grange, Minister of Information, Culture, Youth and Sports spoke after the opening and welcoming comments of Wray and Nephew's, Andrew Pryce and the Hilton's Claudette Kenlock. She not only endorsed the event, but also echoed "Dada Simeon's" stance on setting standards within families. In expressing her admiration for the 'East Fest' founder, The Minister lauded "Dada Simeon's" successful attempt at keeping his family cohesive and his children lawfully productive.
As defender of Jamaica's cultural products, 'Babsy' Grange took the opportunity to heartily congratulate 'East Fest' producers, noting that this has indeed become a calendar event as well as a much anticipated family oriented show.
She expressed her penchant for paving the way forward in the cultural arena, disclosing intentions to develop a values and attitude program; saying an invitation will be extended to the Morgan family to participate.
Reggae music must be protected and Babsy Grange is on a mission to do just that. In recognition of reggae's immense global value, The Minister addressed the sticky situation of pirates, pointing out a specific Canadian individual who will be "set straight" from continuing this illegal activity in the near future.
Representatives from title sponsors: Red Label, Digicel, RJR Group, St Thomas Credit Union, Jamaica Tourist Board and Grizzleys – the technical team, gave brief comments
To the delight of all in attendance, cameo performances ensued. Sangie Davis from the Twelve Tribes of Israel, Laza – a young Morgan sibling, Irie Love – the first female artist to be signed to the Gideon Label, Limey Murray, Kris Kelly, Lutan Fyah and I Octane gave a first rate taste of what is to be expected at 'East Fest.'
In underscoring the underlying spiritual theme of unity and strength, 'East Fest' will again include representation from the three main Rastafari houses: Bobo AShanti, Nya Binghi and Twelve Tribes of Israel.
