Mel Cooke, Freelance Writer

( L - R ) Dub Poet Yasus Afari, Queen Ifrica, Rohan Gunter - file

Sunday's edition of 'Seh Sup'm' at Weekenz, Constant Spring Road, St Andrew, would have been special in more ways than one. Not only was it slated for Marcus Garvey's birthday, but it was also a benefit show by the show's organisers Root Cause and the Rotoract Club of Kingston.

A rainy lady named Fay had other ideas, however, and it was one of several entertainment events affected by the tropical storm over the weekend.

Charity benefit

Clement Hamilton of Root Cause told The STAR that "Root Cause and the Rotaract Club of Kingston decided to postpone the charity benefit show at approximately 1 p.m. on Sunday. We were concerned about the inclement weather and the fact that reports from all sources confirmed that there was a heavy chance of rain throughout the afternoon and into night".

Interest level in the show was high, as Hamilton says "we were encouraged by the response to ticket sales, which had begun two weeks prior and the level of interest we were getting by way of phone calls and emails. The fact that the show was being held on Marcus Garvey's birthday, with an appearance by Yasus Afari (who had not performed since his return from his book tour, visiting New Zealand, Australia, the Caribbean and the UK) would have been an easier alternative than travel to St. Ann for the celebrations there".

Forced a change

Also slated to perform were poets Emperor and Fabian Thomas, comedian Rohan Gunter and singer Duane Stevenson.

However, while the weather may have forced a change of date, the show must go on. Hamilton said, "The show will be carried forward to Sunday, August 24, starting at the same time, same venue and having almost the same line-up of acts. The difference in the line-up will be Duane Stevenson (travelling overseas on tour with Tarrus Riley); he will be replaced by Queen Ifrica, who will be performing for the first time on the Seh Sup'm stage.

"The rest of performers will be as advertised before - Yasus Afari, Emperor, Fabian Thomas and the artwork of photographer Marlon James with DJ Afifa and Sawandi providing the music.

"Persons already having tickets for the postponed show will still be able to have these tickets honoured and tickets are on sale for the coming show at Bookophilia, 92 Hope Road and Weekenz, 80 Constant Spring Road."