Adrian Frater, STAR Writer

Worrell King, promoter of Western Consciousness and Tribute to Peter Tosh, with Cordel Green partially hidden. - File

Western Bureau

Western Consciousness, Jamaica's longest-running one-night reggae show, will celebrate its 20th anniversary this year. To mark this major milestone, promoter Worrell King will be serving up a special treat as a token of his appreciation to the show's loyal fan base.

The event, which will be staged at the Llandilo Complex in Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland, on Saturday, April 26, will again be staged under the banner 'A Celebration of Good Over Evil', and will feature only artistes whose music is considered culturally acceptable and lyrically enlightening.

"It is going to be like a 'best of the best' of Western Consciousness," said King, who created the show in 1978 to counteract the invasion of lewd and derogatory lyrics into the realms of reggae music. "We will be endeavouring to bringing back the memories."

According to King, the one-night show will basically feature three segments, those who set the pace in the early years, those who gave unforgettable performances and the younger artistes who are now carrying the torch of consciousness and uplifting music.

Big names

"We will be connecting the dots in a sense because we will be joining the present with the past," said King. "There have been so many wonderful things that have happen over the 20 years and we have repackage every thing for Western Consciousness 20th anniversary."

While the line-up is still not yet completed, King said he has already signed some of the biggest names in reggae. In fact, he believes he is well on the way to putting together the biggest line-up of consciousness-oriented artistes ever assembled locally.

"We have already signed Buju, Beenie Man, Mykal Rose, Richie Spice, Anthony B, Bush Man, Andrew Tosh, Turbulence, Brigadier Jerry, Josie Wales, Etana, Carol Gonzalez, Courtney John, Little Hero, Edi Fitzroy and the new sensation Iyahblazz," said King. "We are still in negotiation with some other top-flight acts and I can promise you that the line-up will get even stronger."

In regards to Beenie Man, who is not considered one of the artistes under the consciousness banner, King said that like back in 2003 when he appeared alongside the likes of Beres Hammond, the dancehall star will be performing as Ras Moses and will be delivering special lyrics to fit the occasion.

"Some people still believe Beenie Man's performance as Ras Moses in 2003 was one of the best performances he has ever given on local soil," said King. "His lyrics were devoid of the passa passa and controversy and the people really got a high-quality performance from him."

As a mark of his appreciation to the fans, media and sponsors, who have supported the show over the years, Kings said he will be handing out special commemorative awards to selected persons.