Royal Albert Hall reggae show sold out in three hours
AREGGAE show to be hosted by London’s most prolific reggae radio personality, David Rodigan, on March 12, completely sold out in three hours after it was announced.
The March event left a number of reggae fans in New York and Kingston disappointed. Some were planning to travel to the United Kingdom to witness the celebration of Jamaican music featuring the Outlook Orchestra – a 26-piece ensemble with conductor Tommy Evans – alongside a galaxy of performers.
They include Bitty McClean, Christopher Ellis, Winston Francis, Horseman, and General Levy. One of the explosive moments of the show will be a surprise artiste for the grand finale. Speculation is frenzied as to who it will be, but the mystery act only heightened the intrigue. By the time news drifted across the Atlantic about this much-anticipated show, it was already sold out.
“The event was completely sold out in three hours,” Rodigan confirmed to The Sunday
Gleaner. “The show will last a magical 90 minutes, beginning with ska instrumentals and vocals, then songs from the rock steady era, into reggae and roots rock reggae. Then it’s dancehall, and the MC toasting section, followed by drum and bass, then the grand finale,” he added.
Jamaica-born retired civil servant Trevor Lewis, who lives in Brooklyn, said “I am neither a big fan of dancehall nor visiting London, but this sounded so exciting, with the ska and rock steady portions, that I was seriously considering the trip, but no tickets were available, so I can only hope the show comes to New York,” he said, his voice laced with hope.
“The lightning-fast movement of tickets for the most prestigious music venue in the UK – the Royal Albert Hall – is an incredible achievement, proving the phenomenal popularity of Jamaican music,” Rodigan continued. Rodigan, who is also internationally acclaimed for his sound clashes, is, this year, celebrating over 40 years of partnership with Jamaican music.
The Royal Albert Hall is located in Kensington, and it is the same venue where Jamaica’s Cindy Breakspeare and mother of reggae superstar Damian Marley was crowned Miss World in November 1976.