Reggae Taking Prime Time at Lobsterfest; Party DJs and Steel Drum to Add Extra Magic to Weekend Music Lineup

By JOLIE POLLARD Editor in Chief The Placencia Breeze pollard.jolie@gmail.com

It's no longer business as usual at this year's Placencia Lobsterfest. In addition to having an entirely different location for the 20 th anniversary of the festival, a new band is headlining the weekend's music performances.

Responding to the always inevitable request from festival goers for something cutting edge in entertainment − a challenge that doesn't come easy for southern Belize or the modestly funded Placencia Chapter of the Belize Tourism Industry Association (PBTIA) who heads all entertainment and marketing efforts for the event − PBTIA Executive Director Jenria Lozano said she decided to zero in on the buzz happening right here at home. "Everyone had been talking about this reggae band playing in the village at Cha Chi's, and so I went to see them one Saturday night with my office colleagues, and we knew right there and then that we had to get them out at the Point."

According to Lozano, Mile 41 seemed like the perfect fit for Lobsterfest. "This village has always loved reggae music, yet we've always had punta rock or soca at the forefront. You hear reggae playing everywhere − at people's homes, parties, at the restaurants and bars. We thought this would be a great way to honor a style of music that greatly influences the culture and lifestyle in this historically fishing community while responding to the request for something different."

The 10 members of the all-rasta reggae band say they are all too thrilled and humbled to entertain at Placencia's most high-impact annual event. "We wah mash up Lobstafest! We wah tun it into Rastafest!" joked band member King Siege during a photo shoot at the Point with The Placencia Breeze Volunteer Photographer Marion Carr of Muzamanzie Photographs. "We are bringing righteousness to the fest," he added, as he got a little more serious.

Band members, King Siege, Ras Barno, N’Jah, Nigel Petillo, Redda Dan and Dreama are no strangers to the local music industry. They have been playing for years with different bands across the country and internationally, and a few have even opened shows for famous reggae artists such as Jamaica's Beres Hammonds, Barington Levy, Turbulence and Luciano.

Covering the gamut of roots and contemporary reggae and even a little dancehall, Lobsterfest audiences can expect to hear covers of their favorite reggae stars including Bob Marley, Sizzla and Peter Tosh, as well as several impressive Mile 41 originals.

While their musical prowess and captivating stage presence are quickly developing a loyal following in Placencia, members of Mile 41 have been well known throughout Belize for their persevering social activism.

Band member Nigel Petillo is the president of BGYEA, a grassroots organization he formed with other band members in 2010 with a vision to empower Belizeans with land access and ultimately, long-term food security. In fact, Mile 41 is the location along the George Price Highway where BG- YEA's Harmonyville agricultural reserve is located. The group made headlines after a long, drawn out struggle with the Government of Belize to secure 1,300 acres of land in the area.

Mile 41 continues to work on their vision at Harmonyville while keeping prospective land owners informed on social media.

Need more than reggae? Fear not. Lozano and the PBTIA team say they are excited to provide five Belizean disc jockey stars who will fill the Point with sounds from other musical genres that will be sure to keep the party going strong. "We've carefully planned this music lineup to ensure that there is something for everyone and especially, enough bashment tunes to make everyone want to dance," she said.

DJ Dalla, DJ Jago, DJ Boneyfide, DJ HG, DJ Swagg and Fyah Staata Sounds have all created unforgettable parties on the Placencia Peninsula including Easter and New Year's Eve celebrations, as well as the wild Halloween beach parties.

To top it off, PBTIA have also booked the Pantempters Steel Orchestra to round off the Caribbean sounds with a gentle touch for the threeday weekend.

Visitors to the Placencia Lobsterfest can also enjoy another Lobster Cookoff event, the Rotary Club of Placencia rubber duckie race and a bounce house for kids. Of course, there will be lobster aplenty for everyone. ▪

Visit Facebook.com/Placencia- LobsterfestBelize for entertainment updates and schedules.