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Regarded as the forerunner of Reggae Music, Ska has seemingly lost its widespread form in Jamaica but on Saturday, August 3, the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), an agency of the Ministry of Youth and Culture will seek to revive the once popular genre with the Heart of Ska Festival. The anticipated celebration will feature an impressive line-up headlined by Eric Monty Morris & Delfeayo.

DAYTIME ACTIVITIES
In an effort to recapture the genesis of the genre which is not only entrenched in its musical form, the Festival will feature film presentations, exhibition showcasing photos and artifacts of The Skatalites and The Ska Era, panel discussions, Interactive competitions, all day entertainment and the best ‘Duppy’ Bands from across the island. The Heart of Ska Festival will be held at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre starting at 12 noon with the daytime programme free of cost.

MAIN SHOW
The Main Show which will be held at 8 p.m. will focus on ‘Ska Rebirth’ will be led by master drummer Sparrow Martin and including Skalareg, Eric Monty Morris- original lead singer of the Skatalites, Derrick Morgan- crowned “the King of Ska” by the people of Jamaica and the most prolific hit maker of the initial Ska Era, Stranjah Cole and Bunny & Skully. There will be a special guest performance by American Jazz Trombonist Delfeayo Marsalis. The performances will all be backed by Fab 5. Tickets for the Main Show will cost adults $900 pre sold, $1000 at the gate and children $400 while public sector employees are able to purchase tickets at $800 with identification.

Tickets can be had at the Portmore Mall Pharmacy, Sangster’s Book Store (Mall Plaza, Portmore, Sovereign, King Street), JCDC Offices and online, www.jcdcjamaica.com.

Ska was originated in the 1950s with a mixture of jazz, rhythm and blues, and other styles and was popularized by the late Don Drummond and the Skatalites. During the era sound systems made a significant contribution to the development of the music form.