Countdown begins for Sizzla’s return to New York

By Dennis Kabatto – After 8 years absence, reggae star Sizzla returns to New York for Irie Jam Media’s 23rd anniversary celebration.

Dancehall reggae star Sizzla is set to headline Irie Jam Media 23rd anniversary concert at Roy Wilkins Park in Jamaica, New York on Sunday, September 4, 2016

Dancehall reggae star Sizzla is set to headline Irie Jam Media 23rd anniversary concert at Roy Wilkins Park in Jamaica, New York on Sunday, September 4, 2016

The milestone event on Labor Day Sunday, September 4 at Roy Wilkins Park in Jamaica, New York will bring together –  reggae dancehall artists, Mr. Vegas, Richie Spice, Anthony B, Elephant Man, I-Wayne, Bugle, Jamiel and Sizzla as headliner – to what observers say is the last major reggae concert this summer in New York

Sizzla’s performance on Sunday comes 8 years after he and many other reggae dancehall artists’ visas were revoked from entering the Unites States for gay bashing lyrics in their music.

Bobby Clarke, CEO and founder of Irie Jam Media

Bobby Clarke, CEO and founder of Irie Jam Media

According to Irie Jam officials, there has been an “exciting buzz” from overjoyed Sizzla fans in the tri-state area (New York, New Jersey and Connecticut) after U.S. immigration authorities announced permission f or him to perform in the United States again.

“It has been a long, long wait for music fans that have waited patiently to see Sizzla perform live again here” said Bobby Clarke, CEO and founder of Irie jam in a statement referring to his last performance in 2008 when the annual celebration was called Irie Jamboree.

“Since that performance, we have received numerous calls from fans wanting to see him in NY again. We have listened to the people’s cry and we are excited to include him on our Labor Day weekend anniversary presentation,” Mr. Clarke added.

Word on the streets is that many of New York’s reggae massive are anxiously anticipating the show to check out not only if Sizzla as headliner could draw a record crowd but most importantly if he has toned down on gay bashing or what they refer to as “batty boy” lyrics.

Irie Jam 23rd anniversary concert flyer

Irie Jam 23rd anniversary concert flyer