Preeminent ‘70s toaster, Big Youth, will headline the 2010 production of Reggae Culture Salute as the Coalition to Preserve Reggae Music (CPR) makes a salute to the foundation, featuring artists and music that laid the foundation for the development of reggae music. Joining Big Youth for the event will be Ernie Smith, who will receive the CPR Pinnacle Award of Excellence and Tony Tuff who will pay tribute to the late Sugar Minott. The event takes place on Saturday, October 30 at 8:00PM in the Nazareth Regional High School Auditorium at 475 East 57th Street in Brooklyn. The event commemorates the 80th anniversary of the coronation of Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia and Empress Mennen and the unique relationship between reggae, rasta, Selassie and Jamaica.

After honing his skills, toasting while he worked as a diesel mechanic, Big Youth became the resident deejay for the Tippertone Sound System and soon attracted the attention of record producers. His first hit recording came in 1972 and Big Youth never looked back. With hits such as S-90 Skank, I Pray Thee, Lightning Flash, Hit the Road Jack and Train to Rhodesia, he firmly established himself as a force to reckon with.

Big Youth entered the music business as a devout Rastafarian and his faith has cast a major influence on his music career. His music is filled with social commentary and offers council to his audience while commenting on current affairs, such that he came to be known as the Human Gleaner in reference to a major Jamaican newspaper. He has also been known to use his music to critique his peers, encouraging them to hold fast to righteousness to uplift the music.

Big Youth has traveled far and wide throughout the world pleasing audiences and fondly remembers his 1973 performance at New York’s Madison Square Garden where he was well received. His appearance at Reggae Culture Salute promises to be “Strictly Rockers” as Big Youth performs some of his favorites in tribute to his craft, his faith and Emperor Haile Selassie. Other artists appearing include Mikey Jarrett and Japanese deejay, Nahki who will pay tribute to Sugar Minott as well as Anthem Band, Mystic Bowie, Douglas Guthrie and Ancient Vibrations.

Proceeds from the event benefit the Coalition to Preserve Reggae Music, Inc. a charitable organization which conducts free workshops regarding the music throughout the year and conducts research and advocacy to preserve the music.