Thousands of patrons flocked to the Nelson Mandela Park in Half Way Tree to revel in authentic musical vibrations offered at the annual African Liberation Day concert held recently.
The event, now in its fourth year and organized by the Kingston and St Andrew Corporation (KSAC) was high energy from start to finish – with electrifying performances from established reggae acts including Jah Bouks, Bongo Herman, Tony Rebel, Queen Ifrica and Bushman.
Mayor of Kingston Angela Brown Burke was very pleased with the turnout and reception, and noted that the event has been a calendar staple since she took office in 2012.
“When we took over at the KSAC in 2012, we thought that it was an important date to mark in our calendar, Part of the thinking behind that was simply that we are indeed ‘Africans in the diaspora’ and we need to think back to what that really means,” she reckoned.
African Liberation Day has its origin since the formation of the Organization of African Unity in 1963, and has become a much celebrated date on the calendar for Pan-African organizations and Pan-Africanists alike within the continent and in the African Diaspora.
“It’s not just about the struggle; it’s about who we are as a people and the influences that have fashioned us to become who we are [now]. Sometimes, if we were to tell you the story, you wouldn’t listen; but if you were to hear it in music, it would remain with you a little longer,” Mayor Brown Burke added.
“I am very pleased, especially because we are [still] celebrating our children as well, that it [the concert] has grown into a family event. I think people understand that it is good for the family and it means that our children are in a safe space with family and friends,” she contended.
Also in attendance were the Nigerian High Commissioner, Olatokunboh Kamson; South African High Commissioner, Mathu Joyini; members of the KSAC as well as other representatives from respective high commissions.
Formerly called African Freedom Day, Jamaica has continuously celebrated the annual festivities since 1963.