The Audience

The prestigious, "Talk Of The Town", Jamaica Pegasus was the venue for the 2005 launch of the annually held, "Western Consciousness" show event which is produced and promoted by, King Of Kings Promotions.  This year's launch was held on Tuesday March 15, last.

Tarrus Riley In Performance

          On hand to witness and record the event was a full cadre of national media representatives, (print, Electronic, internet.).  Before and during the Welcome and Opening remarks, which was presented by, Mr. Cordel Green, head of the Broadcasting Commission, music was supplied by the S.A.N.E. Band.  

Cordel Green of the Event's MC

          Mr. Green gave a brief synopsis of past years of "Western Consciousness" and the honour he felt with having being involved with the production over the years.  He then introduced the C.E.O. of  King Of Kings Promotions, Worrell King.

Worrel King ( King of Kings Promotions)

          Mr. King, in his presentation he stressed that in creating "Western Consciousness" some sixteen (16) years ago it has always been his mandate to present, 'quality' over 'quantity.'  This, he said, is an unchanged position and so it will remain for this year's event. 

          He also noted that "Western Consciousness" can boast of being an incident free event since its inception and that he was proud of this fact. He then gave a list of the line up of acts set to perform, which are as follows, Beres Hammond,  who will be working on the event for the fourth time; Wayne Wonder,  who he was fortunate to recruit from his overseas engagements; John Holt; Morgan Heritage, plus Turbulence, Jah Mason, Bushman, (whose act was shortened at the last event); and I Wayne; all of whom will burn a positive 'fire.' 

Desmond Young

         He also commented that he is pleased to have procured the talent of Jimmy Riley's son Tarrus Riley, to perform a second time on "Western Consciousness."  Other acts includes the only two females, Nadine Sutherland, a veteran in her own right, and young poet, Marsha.  There will also be some other talented acts based in Western Jamaica who will also perform, such as Edge Michael and others.The bands to accompany the acts are, Harmony House, to back Beres Hammond and S.A.N.E., to back the other acts.

Mutabaruka

          After Mr. King's presentation Cordel Green introduced, Mutabaruka, who, apart from both being billed as the emcees for the event, "Muta" was also the evening's guest speaker.  As is usual, the outspoken poet/ radio personality, in his presentation lashed out at the politicians, and noted their recent utterance of, "God Help Us."  He sees this as a desperate cry for help

from the very source that created the problems in the first place, especially the now cronic problem of 'crime' and 'violence.'

          "Muta" blasted the media, especially national radio and Cable TV, for the continuing mental degradation of the nation.  He noted that decent programming on national radio is relegated to early mornings and late nights, while 'prime time ', (especially 2 - 6:00 p.m.) is dedicated to promoting the decadence associated with the "Dancehall genre."  This he said is assisting to make the youths more indisciplined and disrespectful.

He further stated that over the years the society refused to heed the message the Rastafarians were delivering and now, due to that, we are caught in a bind and faced with a most serious problem.

          He also said the inciteful lyrics of death and mayhem that some deejays espouse are powerful vehicles that shape the minds of the young.  In other words, the 'Word' is most powerful and the 'Pen' is mightier that the 'Sword'.  He said the responsibility to take back and shape the society is the job of every Jamaican, not just the artistes and musicians.

He admits that the 'media', artistes, Radio Disc Jockeys etc., do have a special duty to help in this regard.

Marsha

          After "Muta's" delivery, Marsha gave a brief performance stint.  Thereafter the gathering was given the opportunity to pose questions about the event to Worrell King.

          With that out of the way the audience was then treated to drinks and appetizers.