Brooklyn, NY; Oct. 22, 2009. “FIRERAMA” – the concert and dance, is coming to New York City. On Friday, November 13, 2009, Brooklyn will be lyrically set ablaze by three of the leading fire spewing messengers of conscious dancehall reggae – Capleton, Anthony B and Coco Tea — as they make live appearances at the Cultural Performing Arts Center (C-PAC), located at 1020 East 48th Street, Brooklyn. The doors will open at 10 p.m.
Hosted by Selector Noah, the show and dance will also feature a slew of New York City’s top disc jockeys – DJ Roy, Irie Jam, Massive B, Bobby Konders & Jabba, Baby Q of Libra Love, Six Love Ent., DJ Elly, Redman, and Obsession.
Music fans are already voicing praise for the promoters of Jammins Entertainment, New Horizon, Red Hot Radio, Chi Ching and Genesis Restaurant, who collaborated to give New Yorkers this upcoming event.
The Artists & Their Works
When Capleton, born Clifton George Bailey III in Jamaica, takes the stage on November 13, he will do so as one who, along with Coco Tea, Anthony B, Buju Banton, Sizzla and Luciano, did spearhead dancehall’s return to reggae tradition, by crooning spiritual themes and incorporating classic foundational elements of roots reggae in his music. His 1992 single “Alms House” and the 1993 album with the same title are considered landmark in view of the apparent heightened consciousness in cultural, sociological and spiritual growth demonstrated by this artist. Since then Capleton, who has performed on every continent, has been releasing hit after hit, including cross-over hip-hop and rap remixes.
Rare among reggae artists, Capleton also got to produce a few hits on a major American label, Def Jam. To name a few, his conscious hits range from the earlier “Matie a Dead,” “Unnu No Hear” and “Everybody Needs Somebody,” to the later “Tour,” “Who Dem” and “Jah Jah City.”
Equally acclaimed as a powerful voice of consciousness with a signature staff in hand, another Jamaican native, Anthony B (Keith Anthony Blair) would also be gracing the stage at C-PAC with his rich vocals and unwavering message against the injustices that afflict the world’s poor and oppressed. His vintage conscious-dancehall tunes such as “Repentance Time,” “Raid the Barn,” “Real Revolutionary,” “Universal Struggle,” Sleeping In the Rain,” and “Satisfaction” are in just about every serious DJ’s playlist.
Anthony B’s lyrical genius and energetic stage presence have taken him to enthused audiences in North America, South America, Europe, Africa, and India.
And no less in stature than the two above is the veteran, smooth and conscious dancehall warrior, Coco Tea, whose given name is Calvin George Scott. In fact, Coco Tea has been on the reggae trail since 1974, when at the tender age of 14 he recorded “Searching in the Hills.” It is correct to say that this artist never really looked back in his career. Through the years he has recorded hits such as “Rocking Dolly,” “I Lost My Sonia” “What Dem A Go Do … Can’t Stop Cocoa Tea,” “Riker’s Island,” “No Blood for Oil,” and “Yes We Can” – a tribute to Barack Obama.
Also a native of Jamaica, Coco Tea has built an international fan-base by performing concerts in North America, Europe, and the Far East. Coco Tea also garnered a major-label deal with two releases on Motown Records in 1997. However, he decided to focus on developing his recording studio, publishing company, and even a wholesale food distribution and vegetarian food retail operation businesses in Jamaica, despite opportunities abroad.
Ticket and other information regarding the show may be obtained by calling 718-282-8041 or visiting the C-PAC Box Office at 1020 East 48th Street, corner of Farragut Road, Brooklyn, NY.