by A. Aisha Caleb-Browne

This evening’s official launch of the Sweet Cry Freedom Concert will showcase what is expected to be a grand return of the once annual event.

That’s according to promoter Donald “Don” Charles of Behanzin Entertainment, who has once again been tasked with pulling off a concert resurrection with a difference. Charles told that Antigua Sun that with the buzz of the concert having picked up momentum during the past weeks, the build up has been overwhelming as has the preparations.

“What has spurred us on is the support from the general public…that means we’re not working to put on just an event, but an event for a people and a country and to really elevate ourselves back to the position we once had as a top regional music Mecca,” he stated.

The promoter revealed that this evening’s launch will give the organizers an opportunity to announce the event sponsors, specifically the title sponsorship of the Ministry of Tourism.

The tourism department has fully endorsed the project and is also co-sponsor of the event, a most noteworthy contribution according to Charles who explained that as a very expensive undertaking, the concert previously was a financial strain on Behanzin Entertainment who was carrying the entire financial risk.

“All our sponsors are really great and are to be thanked…we have number one companies associated with a number one event. It’s really a good symbiotic relationship.”

Even so, Charles is confident that with the star-studded line up for the 5 May event, it will be a wonderful mix of past, present and future artists, to include Antigua’s ‘Flames”.

“No matter if they are red hot or just the Flames, after over 15 years of none stop hits, they are our past, present and future. There will also be artists who have not performed in Antigua for a long time, artist who are renowned the world over as being the best and upcoming performers with so much to offer.”

The line up will also include international reggae group Third World who are former Sweet Cry performers. ‘Roots rock soca’ great Black Stalin, along with a Baby Cham aka ‘Cham’, Macka Diamond, Sherwin Winchester (Traffic) are also scheduled to perform.

Home grown artists such as Tizzy, Claudette Peters, Logiq and Teflon will definitely be headliners said Charles, who added “Our artist are in the same league as the others and have even surpassed many.

“We are all part of the African Diaspora, so the pure mix of music which comes out from our African heritage will reach the various persons who will attend. It’s part of us, and we want to bring something to the stage that we can all enjoy and be a part of.”

The show is expected to run from 9 pm until the wee hours of the morning and is scheduled to coincide with the ending of the Annual Sailing Week activities, bringing to a climax seven days of beach activities, sailing and unbeatable excitement and fun, Charles said.

Reprinted with permission from The AntiguaSun Newspaper