Richie Stephens

Jamaica is still experiencing an economic crisis and it seems that at least one major stage show is returning after being cancelled last year.

Making its return is Cocoa Tea's Original Dancehall Jam Jam, which is usually held on New Year's Eve in Clarendon. Last year, it was not held as Cocoa Tea could not foot the expenses associated with staging a show of that magnitude. And, he was not willing to pass on those costs to his patrons.

But this year, the show is back at Jamalco Sports Club in Clarendon, at the request of the people.

"Di people were really upset it nuh gwaan last year. Even though the economy is such, dem woulda really like fi have the likkle enjoyment," Cocoa Tea told THE STAR.

"Dem cuss mi di wickedest type a way. Dem seh no matter what the cost, dem woulda come out and support it."

As for the economy, he noted that there were no signs of any improvements, but the show would nonetheless be held.

"It's even worse this year but the people are the ones who support the show. Even if we haffi go sacrifice fi mek the show go on," Cocoa Tea said.

been lenient

Luckily, he is getting some support to make the event happen. Some of the persons that he works with, for instance the media houses, security and light and sound companies, have been lenient. In many cases, costs have been reduced or kept constant.

"Everyone we work with decide that they are gonna work with us," said Cocoa Tea, who recently returned from a tour in the United States.

And, the artistes have been making the situation easier, according to Cocoa Tea, who calls them 'his greatest sponsors. Some of them, he said, are performing at reduced or no costs so that the people can enjoy a decent show.

Morgan Heritage - File photos

However, around the same time last year, there were also rumours that a few other shows would not be held. These include events like East Fest, which was not held because poor infrastructure in St Thomas resulting from a previous hurricane, and Unity Splash that is held in Westmoreland.

When contacted recently, a spokesperson at Grizzly's Entertainment who had worked with East Fest on a previous occasion, said there was no knowledge of the show being held this year. And, calls to the members of Morgan Heritage, who started the show in 1999, were unsuccessful.

No advertisements have been seen in the press about Unity Splash. When contacted, its promoter, Richie Stephens, said the event will not be held in January.