Howdy friends and people! What a gwaan wid unnu? Me? I'm here embracing the beautiful complexities and contradictions of our much storied life, in this lovely land of contrasts and extremes. Right about now, mi head constantly dizzy, and mi heart nuh stop swell, because all around me is drama and comedy, and so many stories to tell!

Still, is inna di positive stories mi ago try gwaan dwell. As many of you must have heard by now, members of the local laughter league had our kinteet stalled and our smiles turned upside down recently, with the sad news of the sudden passing of comedian Garnet Allen, also known as Apache Chief, from the duo 'Apache Chief and Sarge'.

Duos are not so common in the world of stand-up comedy, but Jamaica has a wonderful tradition of pairing comedic entertainers. Names like Ike and Mike, Slim and Sam, Bim and Bam, Miss Lou and Mas Ran are the icons that make up the foundation of that tradition. And the tradition has continued with performers like Bello and Blakka, Ity and Fancy Cat and others.

Apache Chief was one half of what can be described as one of the most dynamic, determined and durable duos in Jamaica's entertainment history. There's no questioning the records of this pair. For one, although Apache Chief has remained the constant and the anchor, this duo has gone through more personnel changes and name alterations than any other entertainment entity in recent history.

They were 'Apache Chief and Freeman'. But Freeman passed away and they became 'Apache Chief and Wacky Man'. Then Wacky Man went his ways and they became 'Apache Chief and Sammy Question'. And after Sammy Question disappeared with more questions than answers, Apache Chief performed briefly with Lemon. There was another duo around known as 'Grandfather and Son' but son soon grew up and joined the police force, Grandfather changed his name to 'Sarge' and the duo was reborn as Apache Chief and Sarge.

Well the last couple of years Apache Chief and Sarge have blazed a trail of laughter all around Jamaica and elsewhere. They have bookings for gigs all over, and confirmed dates going all the way into next year. We know he had health issues, but he was optimistic and in good spirits. And with all the changes in name and personnel that the duo has been through, Apache Chief was the constant, the hook and the anchor. So naturally, it was a serious jolt when we heard about the Chief's unexpected departure to that celestial comedy club on the other side of the river.

What has made this sad story now beautiful and inspiring though, is the fact that Apache Chief's eldest son Garnet Allen Jr has stepped up to the plate to fill the breach and extend the legacy. Apache has moved on, but the duo lives on. They will now be known as 'Apache Kid and Sarge' and tonight, at the Portmore edition of LIME Comedy Cafe, young Allen will step into the spotlight and earn his place in history as he ensures the continuation of a wonderful tradition.

Yes folks, mi know things dread out a road, and sadness and madness looms daily, to the extent that things like love and laughter seem like luxuries. But that's all the more reason to indulge them and enjoy the joy of life. Laughter is even more important these days. So come join me later, alongside Ity and Fancy Cat, Kathy Grant, Rozah Roze - and special guest 'Rosie Call di Contracta' at Famous Night Club as we watch the debut performance of Apache Kid and Sarge.

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Well, the last couple of years Apache Chief and Sarge have blazed a trail of laughter all around Jamaica and elsewhere. They have bookings for gigs all over, and confirmed dates going all the way into next year.