The promoters of the show 'Icons of Reggae in Concert', set for Sunday, March 11 at Central Broward Regional Park, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, have expressed mild surprise but are visibly enthused by the overwhelming response to their event.

The interest and excitement for this show is not only from the Jamaican and crossover community in South Florida, from Orlando to South Miami, with calls for tickets, but also media requests from individuals and groups from Orlando, Atlanta, New York and Toronto and this excitement has spread internationally with calls streaming in from Jamaica, British Virgin Islands and the UK.

Icons of Reggae sports an outstanding line-up featuring the likes of Toots and the Maytals and Ali Campbell's UB40, plus Mykal 'Grammy' Rose, John Holt, Daddy U Roy, Lady Saw, Wailing Souls and Etana, plus local stars Mical Rustle and Ambelique. This group of superstars include Grammy winners Toots and Mykal Rose, one of the leading sellers of reggae records worldwide in UB40, the Queen of the Dancehall, Lady Saw, and songbird Etana, plus sentimental favourites such as Daddy U Roy, John Holt and Wailing Souls, are artistes we have not seen perform here in a long time. With an extensive promotional campaign utilising all aspects of the media, including newspaper, radio and TV and the social media both locally and out of town, it's easy to understand the reason for this overwhelming response.

Even the artistes are excited about appearing, as Ali Campbell's manager has expressed that Ali is looking forward to being in South Florida (going in early for a little R&R and TV interviews) as he has performed with several of these artistes.

Lady Saw - file photos

Lady Saw hopes to collaborate once again with Ali (see YouTube UB40 and Lady Saw, 'Since I Met You Lady'). Daddy U Roy has expressed a desire to perform with John Holt on Wear You To The Ball. Etana in a recent radio interview said that as 'the baby' of this group she was in awe at performing with these illustrious artistes, especially Toots and her idol Lady Saw.

There has been a marked increase by vendors in request for food, fruits and art & craft booths, so no need to cook on Sunday, just bring the family and come enjoy a day of food, fun and reggae music.

Gates open at 12 p.m., and the show starts at 1:30 p.m., with a Salute to Jamaica featuring Body Nation Dance Theatre, talented Sons of Maestro and the outstanding South Florida dub poet Malachi Smith, plus the winner of the Hot 105FM talent contest.

It's recommended to come early (to not miss your favourites) and wear your colours as part of the 50th Independence celebrations.

Icons of Reggae in Concert, celebrating 50 years of Jamaica's Independence, a Salute to Jamaica and Reggae music, is a show with a difference, one not to be missed.