Dexton Ennis - File

The organisers of local stage show Follow Di Arrow made their stance on profanity and discrimination abundantly clear at the recent launch hosted at KIA Motors at Chelsea Avenue, New Kingston.

The launch started with a prayer, and even in the prayer the organisers begged God to change the attitude of local entertainers to entertainment, in the process making them realise that they hold tremendous power and responsibility.

Promoter of the event Dexton Ennis took patrons on a trip down memory lane citing how the idea of hosting the first Follow Di Arrow brewed from a conversation with dancehall icon Bounty Killer. He also said he wants the now 13-year-old show to become a world product officially.

According to the promoter, local entertainers must be mindful what they do or say on the platform, because living in a globalised world means every country on earth is watching. He also commented on the dying stage show culture in Jamaica. He believes part of the problem has to do with the negative attitudes of some artistes and patrons. This negative attitude the promoter believes, hampers the participation of Corporate Jamaica in sponsoring stage shows.

"Follow Di Arrow is our show, the people show. Jamaica is a place where we should have a lot of shows but it's not so, therefore I decided to host it this year because I want it to go down as one of the long standing events in Jamaica," Ennis said.

positive music

Clyde McKenzie and veteran reggae artiste Freddie McGregor spoke on behalf of the entertainment industry. They pleaded with colleges to be on their best behaviour and do positive music.

"It's a shame that a promoter has to take this stance, which should have already been a responsibility of us as artistes," McGregor said.

He also commended Ennis for ensuring that the artistes billed to perform this year are from different generations musically. McGregor says diversity is always good in music and that the veterans should unite with the young artistes to lead them in the right path, instead of approaching them in a negative manner.

streamed live

Follow Di Arrow is slated to take place at James Bond Beach, Oracabessa, St Mary, on March 2, 2013. The event can also be streamed live via www.followdiarrowja.net.

Some of the artistes billed for the show are Bounty Killer, Elephant Man, Coco Tea, Freddie McGregor, Assassin, Sizzla, Fantan Mojah, I Wayne, Mr. Lexx, George Nooks, Wickerman, Nitty Kutchie,Flippa Maffia, Little Hero,Teflon, Droop Lion, Mr Vegas, I-Octane, Lady Saw, Lady G, Macka Diamond, Professor Nuts, Major Mackerel, Admiral Bailey, Burro Banton among others.

The MCs for the night will be Ragashanti, Sunshine and Sample Man, and the backing bands are Ruff Kut and Warrior Love.

Tickets for the event are being sold at $1,200 presold, $1,,500 at the gate and $2,500 VIP. For more information on the event, potential patrons can call 299-8692, email followdiarrow@gmail or log on to www.followdiarrowja.net.

Follow Di Arrow 2013 is powered by Guinness, Hennessy, Kia Motors, Liquid Nitro, THE STAR among others.