Grenada’s 50th Independence anniversary will feature a special event, Up From Here -The Concert, which is free to the public.
The live concert, which will feature over 50 performers and seven live bands, is scheduled for February 2 at the National Cricket Stadium. The concert starts at 8 pm with the gates opening at 7.
Speaking at the media launch on Wednesday, Shrivon Redhead, Project Manager for Up From Here- The Concert, said it will feature a variety of artistes with a concept to show how Grenada’s culture and music have evolved.
“It is truly walking you through the different eras of Grenada and the evolution through that, and that takes the shape of folk-dance presentation, Soca music, Calypso, the Moko Jumbies, just prepare to sit on everything Grenadianism.”
She said the concert will be super family-friendly, and everyone will be pleased with who’s going to be on stage and the type of production that is going to take place.
Meanwhile, Adrian Thomas, Minister with Responsibility for Tourism, the Creative Economy and Culture, said the creative industry is very dear to the government and knows this concert will create an impact.
Thomas said over the years Grenada’s artistes have done a great job in promoting the country’s culture both locally and abroad.
The minister said he wants culture to not only be thought of as something to be done in one’s spare time but to become an income-generating business.
He noted the government is aware that it must play a critical role and put the infrastructure in place so artistes can see their talent and make it a reality.
“We are prepared to put our money where our mouth is and therefore the artiste come to Creative Affairs [Ministry of Creative Affairs] they will definitely feel at home and have someone to rely on and put forward their talent.”
Thomas said artistes must be put in a position where society respects them.
“I can tell you during the Carnival Season I hate to see calypsonians at the gate waiting for a ticket or begging or begging for a ticket to go inside after they have contributed so much.
They are the architects of our culture; they are the architects of our carnival, and they will play a significant role in terms of having 50 of them on stage.”
The minister is encouraging all Grenadians to come out and support Up From Here -The Concert.
Cultural Ambassador, Grenadian Soca superstar Hollice ‘Mr Killa’ Mapp will be performing at the concert.
Speaking at the media launch, Mr Killa said an event like this, especially during the time of Independence, is very important. He said artistes play a great part when it comes to Grenada’s culture, are a great marketing tool and sometimes are not treated in the right way.
“I think this whole initiative and effort is a great one which will be accepted in the hearts of the artiste as we come together. I think we always like to come together. I think we always look forward for a big show where we could actually show off our talent not just by ourselves but with our fellow artistes together and in especially in a time where we could express what Grenada really means to us as Grenadians not just as artistes.”
Mr Killa also spoke about the importance of knowing and understanding the significance of Grenada’s Independence.
He said the concert will be one of upliftment and is meant for all Grenadians to celebrate together.
