Entertainment

Emphasis on three 'Ps' at 'Unite the People' launch

By MEL COOKE, Freelance Writer

( left - right )Ken Boothe and Bushman -file

WESTERN BUREAU

GUEST SPEAKER AT the launch of 'Unite the People', Island Def Jam's Director of International Marketing, David Miller, stressed 'three Ps' in his address at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, New Kingston, on Tuesday night.

"We have to understand publishing, professionalism and patience," he said, outlining the keys to success in the entertainment business. "Loyalty is very important. When you jump from one crew to the next crew, you are stunting your growth," he emphasised.

"When you take yourself seriously, other people will take you seriously," Miller said.

K.O.K. (Kings of Kings) International is taking itself very seriously, with emphasis on two Ps, production and performance, for its 10th anniversary 'Unite The People' concert, slated for Cinema 2 in New Kingston on Saturday, June 4. The roster of performers, along with other developments at K.O.K. International, was outlined at the launch of the show at the Talk of the Town Restaurant.

Performers

Eso 'Castro Pink' Johnson, vice-president of marketing and international affairs at K.O.K. International, announced Bounty Killer, Beenie Man, Anthony B, Richie Stephens, Bongo Herman, Black Lion, Genie Slick, Chrishinti, Norris Man, Judy Mowatt, Ken Boothe, Bushman, Freddie McGregor, Chuck Fender and Lady Saw among those confirmed. He also said there are verbal commitments from U.S. and U.K.-based performers.

"We want it to be a festive show, with class," said Johnson, speaking on behalf of K.O.K. CEO, Colin 'Iley Dread' Levy, who was not present. He added that it was hoped it would be an annual event.

But even when the music is over, the work will not be finished, as proceeds from the event will go towards the Haile Selassie School and the Victoria Jubilee Hospital.

Freddie McGregor shed his customary singer's role to plead the worthy cause, noting the deplorable conditions of the school. "The first thing that needs to be done is to fix the perimeter," McGregor said. He said that it was going to be an oval fence, with columns at intervals. He invited music organisations to support the venture by purchasing column space that they could then use for messages.