Lovers Rock: A Night of British Reggae moves to Ocho Rios for Heroes Weekend

The third Lovers Rock: A Night of British Reggae is scheduled for October 16 at Ocean’s 11 Bar and Restaurant in Ocho Rios. It is a change in location from the previous stagings which were held at Pon Top Seafood Bar and Grill in Kingston.

Steve James, who started the event last February, said the move to the tourist resort is strategic.

“Traditionally, a lot of people head out of town for Heroes Weekend, so we thought it would be the perfect opportunity to take Lovers Rock: A Night of British Reggae to Ocho Rios.

“There will also be a large number of overseas visitors and returning residents in Ocho Rios during the holiday weekend, so we felt it was a great location for the event,” he said.

Heroes Weekend (October 16-19) culminates with the National Honours and Awards Ceremony at King’s House in Kingston. This year, over 200 Jamaicans will receive national recognition.

“A Night of British Reggae” salutes the lovers rock genre which emerged in the United Kingdom (UK) during the late 1970s. James, considered an authority on that movement, plays many of the songs which made it popular.

The previous event attracted many returning residents from the UK, as well as British reggae artistes such as Tippa Irie and producer Blacka Dread.

In October, James will again be lead selector. Twinn Spinn from Fetedayz Radio, DJ Jacko from King Jammy Sound System and Buppy C from Vibes FM London are expected to play songs representing the softer side of reggae.

Lovers rock exploded over 40 years ago through West Indian sound system dances in the UK, with most of its biggest exponents born in Jamaica, or first-generation British of Jamaican heritage.

They include singers like Vivian Jones, Peter Hunnigale, Maxi Priest, Sandra Cross, Carroll Thompson and Janet Kay. In recent years, lovers rock has enjoyed a resurgence through Bitty McLean, another singer born in the UK to Jamaican parents.

— Howard Campbell