by Teino Evans, Staff Reporter

Sugar Minott - Winston Sill

Monday evening saw the first ever official media launch of Sugar Minott's annual show, 'Reggae in the Hills'. The launch was held on the roof of the Mystix Sports Bar and Lounge, 78 Hagley Park Road.

According to Peter Burke, organiser and PR for Tad's International Records, organisers of the event, "the show, which is in its eighth year, has taken on a different turn this year." A new marketing team has been put in place to be the drive force behind promoting the show.

Not as successful

Reggae in the Hills, which started out in 1998 from an idea that Sugar had of artistes getting together in the countryside for a day of fun with their families, friends and co-workers in the entertainment industry, has not been as successful as Minott would have wanted.

However, a number of sponsors are already on board this year and the event is looking to be more fruitful than ever. Plans are also on the way to donate a perimeter fence for the school playfield at Harkers Hall, where the show will be held.

"It's not been so successful over the time, but we've been building and the whole idea is to bring together artistes and friends and to develop that area of St. Catherine that I'm associated with," Minott told The Star in an interview just before taking the stage at 9:40 p.m. with backing band, Rasta Uprising. He performed I Can't Get Over Losing You and Danger In Your Eyes, from his latest album, A Tribute To Studio One.

Minott, during the interview said, "This is an album which is a tribute to my peers, those who have inspired us over the years and just bring back moments of my youth days playing on sounds. I'm sure people would love these songs, is the original, where dancehall started," he said.

Reggae in the Hills is scheduled to take place on December 25 at Harkers Hall, St. Catherine and will feature artistes like Capleton, Anthony B, George Nooks, Gregory Isaacs, Da'Ville, Fantan Mojah, Freddie McGregor and the Mighty Diamonds.