Andre Jebbinson, Staff Reporter

Left: Radikal Prodigal performed with Red Rat at Recharge 5. Right: JAI (left) and Raddic perform as part of the Katalys Krew. - File

( L - R ) Kiprich and Goddy Goddy - File photos

Today the fight against crime will take an unprecedented turn. Some of Jamaica's popular and gospel artistes will be in unison on one stage at the National Stadium to fight against crime. The programme is dubbed Transformation Jamaica.

However, sceptics of the Transformation Jamaica project are arguing that it will take more than three nights of concerts to quell the problem of crime and violence in Jamaica.

But despite the circumstances, the plans for the concerts are continuing as planned. The organizers believe it will be a huge stepping stone towards the fight against crime. Bishop Joseph Ade-Gold, president of the movement, said, "even as the rhythm does, the vocabulary put to the music also has great influence on the lives of people."

It is with that intention that almost two separate worlds will collide over the three-day period, October 25 to 27.

"We need things like these. It force secular man to come together in an uplifting way. Music is power," Ade-Gold said.

He said the transformation does not have to be evident immediately, but it can cause others to reflect on something that might have happened at the concert even two weeks after.

Miracle?

That is also what Trans-formation Jamaica wants to do. It is not expected that there will be a miracle, but a gradual realisation that the current trend is not what is ideal for Jamaica.

Secular entertainer Kip Rich also commented by saying artistes themselves need to realise how much they influence other people and their actions. "We have to face reality seh some of the people want to live the life that they sing about in di songs. If we di artistes a try den they will see that and try too," Kip Rich said.

In a previous interview with THE STAR, producer Tommy Cowan lauded the work of the Overcomers World Ministries, organiser of the project, as it came at a critical time. He, however, said all the players need to have a long term commitment to reducing crime. He said the outreach should not stop at the National Stadium, but it should be brought to the more volatile areas.

But Red Rat, who is also in support of the movement said, "The concept is great. We know and deh close to the people who a fire shot."

Free!

With the concert being free and a line-up as healthy as any major stage show, Jamaicans should definitely make their way to the National Stadium today, tomorrow and Friday.

Things will get off the ground with Luciano, Leroy Sibbles, Kip Rich, Chris Martin, Prodigal, Moses, Omari, Shepherd among others. Then on Thurday, some of the entertainers who will take the stage include Tanto Metro, Ritchie Stephens, Admiral Bailey, Lloyd Parkes, Freddie McGregor, Lester Lewis, Judith Gayle and Jai.

The concert series will come to an end on Friday with Vegas, Red Rat, Fab Five, Noddy Virtue, Goddy Goddy, Katalys, Ryan Mark, Levy's Heritage and Lubert Levy.

This, Red Rat said, will be the perfect opportunity for artistes to put some positive and uplifting message to the masses. "All we can do is try and hope for the best," Red Rat said.

Prodigal also said he hoped the artistes are not just looking for a hype, but a chance to empower and edify young people.