A concert celebrating legacy, history and hometown pride is set to return for its second edition, with some of reggae’s most celebrated performers leading the lineup for the Tasjay Productions’ ‘Give Thanks for Life’ concert on December 19.
Reggae veterans Turbulence, Josey Wales, Everton Blender & Rad Dixon will headline the event, alongside Horace Martin, at the Mandeville Primary & Junior High School in Manchester.
Produced and promoted by Tasjay Productions, the concert will showcase a mix of established reggae acts and emerging talents, with a strong emphasis on artistes from the parish of Manchester.
The extensive lineup includes Uton Green, Hope Vocals, Omar Slik, Oneil Famous, Jah Kettle, Wezdum Fyah, IYasimba, Mr Steele, Sajay Justice, Dezi Boyd, Tete Wayne, Lij Amlak, Blood Pressure Immortal, Gee Rhay, Natty Garth, Wayne Jr and Voice Track. Irie FM’s DJ Amber, Culture FM’s Suga Wayne and Sound Wave are also listed among the performers.
For Tasjay Productions founder James A. Smith, the concert is more than an entertainment event. It represents an opportunity to bring his work back to the community where his musical journey began.
“Manchester is the foundation of everything we do. The music, the culture and the relationships started here,” Smith said.
Smith’s involvement in the music industry dates back to the late 1980s and early 1990s in Mandeville, where he supported emerging artistes, including Garnet Silk, Tony Rebel, Uton Green, Kulcha Knox and Yasus Afari.
That history continues to shape the vision for ‘Give Thanks for Life,’ which aims to celebrate Manchester’s contribution to reggae while providing a platform for the next generation of performers.
Among the featured artistes is international reggae singer Rad Dixon, born Radcliffe Dixon in Dunsinane, Manchester. He began performing at age 10 and started recording professionally around 2000.
His longstanding association with Tasjay Productions has produced several releases, including his debut studio album, ‘Hard Times,’ in 2023.
The partnership enters another chapter with Dixon’s sophomore album, ‘Why Dat Woman Cry,’ scheduled for release on December 19 to coincide with the Mandeville concert.
Organisers are anticipating a strong turnout, with longtime supporters expected to join younger fans for an evening celebrating reggae’s established names and the rising artistes making their mark on the music industry.
With its blend of musical heritage, community pride and emerging talent, the second staging of ‘Give Thanks for Life’ is poised to place Manchester’s reggae roots firmly in the spotlight.
Gates open at 7 p.m., with the show scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. Tickets are priced at J$2,000 in advance and J$2,500 at the gate.