CARIBBEAN CARNIVAL 2016: Reggae returns to Brooklyn Labor Day festival with Third World, Luciano and more

Reggae music will make a triumphant return to the New York Caribbean Carnival, kicking off five days of Caribbean revelry with the “Reggae Unda Di Stars” concert on Sept. 1.
The opening-night show, which will be held on the grounds of the Brooklyn Museum starting at 7 p.m., will feature a solid lineup of performers to delight passionate fans.

Legendary band Third World – known for tunes such as “Try Jah Love” and the megahit and global anthem “Now That We Found Love” – will headline the show, which also will star Luciano. Known respectfully as The Messenger, his repertoire includes “In This Together,” “Sweep Over My Soul” and “It’s Me Again Jah.”
Christopher Martin, Romain Virgo, Ameena Caesar, Dajah, Statement Band and DJ Orie will round out the list of performers.

The return of reggae to WIADCA festivities gets two thumbs-up from iconic radio personalities Pat McKay and Dahved Levy, who will host the show.
McKay and Levy hail from Jamaica and Barbados, respectively.

McKay, director of programming for reggae and gospel at Sirius XM Satellite Radio and host of “The Joint” reggae show on Sirius XM, previously organized reggae performances at the Brooklyn Caribbean carnival.

“I’m just happy to be there, having organized five reggae nights in the past,” said McKay, who did not organize this year’s reggae night but is pleased to have the “privilege of being included in something international that many people come to New York for.”

Reminiscing about the importance of a night devoted to reggae, she said, “The WIADCA is to be credited, because they have always tried to be inclusive. It’s magnanimous of them to include reggae.”

She said her involvement with the carnival spans decades.

“I had the honor of working with the founder, Carlos Lezama. WIADCA has a proud legacy, bought with blood, sweat and tears despite the naysayers,” explained McKay, who said she enjoys reggae night because she remembers seeing the “joy on people’s faces” in the past.

Meanwhile, Levy says “there’s nothing wrong with a reggae night,” in the context of the carnival. “It’s showing the total completion of the Caribbean. WIADCA covers the whole of the Caribbean.”
Levy, a radio pioneer, hosts the “Caribbean Fever” show on WBLS radio (107.5-FM), and coined the popular catchphrase “rockin’ you, rockin’ you.”

Levy added that the reggae night lineup is good and will create excitement.

“Third World is going to attract a wide array of people from New York and New Jersey. Very few artists from the Caribbean have crossed over to pop, and Third World has done that,” he said. “And then there’s Luciano, The Messenger.”

Levy said all the performers will deliver spectacular shows despite personal losses. Third World’s well-known lead singer, Bunny Rugs, died in 2014, and Luciano’s son was killed this year.
When asked about other artists for future Brooklyn carnival reggae shows, Levy mentioned Shabba Ranks, Super Cat and Sizzla.

“Sizzla is returning to New York for the first time in eight years,” said Levy. “Obviously, if Sizzla was available, I would love to see him. Sizzla is a friend of mine.”

For tickets to the “Reggae Unda Di Stars” concert and other carnival events, visit http://bit.ly/2016carnivaltickets, and go to www.wiadca.com for more information.