Jamaican entertainers arrive for concert
In the past, they would have arrived by other means, but this time it was somehow fitting that the reggae artists coming for this Saturday’s big concert flew in on one of the big birds of Air Jamaica. Jacqueline Woods has the story.
Jacqueline Woods, Reporting
It is not the first time that Lloyd “Lover” Lovindeer and Ernie Smith will be entertaining Belizeans, but this time around they are being accompanied by another Jamaican popular singer, Pam Hall. This afternoon, the three artists arrived in the country to prepare for their upcoming valentine’s performance.
Lloyd “Lover” Lovindeer, Jamaican Artist
“In Jamaica I am just one of their other artists performing all over Jamaica, Kingston, Montego Bay and all that. But in Belize, I’m someone special, so I always look forward to coming to Belize, I’m treated very special here.”
Pam Hall, Jamaican Artist
“I am very happy to be in what I would consider a Central American and Caribbean country, because I have been making an effort to visit the Caribbean more. I love music; it’s a great part of my life. I love people, and when my music is loved by people, that’s it.”
Ernie Smith, Jamaican Artist
“There are so many people that I know here. I’ve been coming here since…first time I was here was ’75. I came for Henry Young to play at Bird’s Isle, so I’ve known people since then and it’s always special coming to Belize.”
The reason for the artists’ visit is to celebrate Love FM’s tenth anniversary. In 1992 that radio station first went on the air. A decade later, it has grown to be one of the country’s leading media houses.
Rene Villanueva, Sr., Managing Director, RSV Limited
“We started off with this small transmitter in the bathroom with some equipment. The resources that we’ve managed to pool together from my gratuity and from a bank loan from one of the local banks. I pooled that together and we started what is today Love FM.”
Jacqueline Woods
“I that know every year Love tries to make this celebration a grand affair by actually inviting international entertainers, especially Caribbean artists to join in the celebration. Why did you all decide to celebrate the anniversary in this way?”
Rene Villanueva Sr.
“Well Love FM is all about music. We started off as a music station and music is the centrepiece. We still use it as a centrepiece; we say news and music power. And I think that is best reflected by us, bringing the entertainers that provide the music, the music of love.”
The fun gets underway at the Princess Hotel’s poolside on Saturday night at 9:00 and continues until 4:00 the next morning.
Lloyd “Lover” Lovindeer
“We are going to have songs for the lovers, plus the older songs that I have done over the years that have been popular here, and some new songs which I am working on now especially for carnival 2003, which is going to be in Jamaica in another two months.”
Pam Hall
“We expect everybody to come and have a grand time. It’s all about love.”
Ernie Smith
“Come early and bring your dancing shoes.”
Jacqueline Woods for News 5.
Besides the Caribbean artists, local talents such as Santino’s Messengers, Gilharry Seven and Super G will also be a part of the concert and dance. Tickets are on sale for thirty-five dollars at Love FM studios on Freetown Road.
