Speaking with THE STAR yesterday Isaacs’ manager Copeland Forbes explained that the support for the late singer has been pouring in from the entertainment community, who are getting together to remember the singer. Isaacs died of lung cancer at his home in London on October 25, at the age of 59. The tributes kick off tomorrow at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre with a ‘Musical Tribute to Gregory Isaacs’ from some of reggae’s greats. The tributes, Forbes explained, are being organised by himself and the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Sports.
Free Concert
He said: “It’s a free concert for the people, everybody wanted to pay their respect to Gregory so we decided to have this concert. Up to today more people have called wanting to be added. We’ve got a lot of attention, even from the press, people from overseas will be there.” The concert starts at 8 p.m., is headlined by Bunny Wailer with Stur Gav sound; U-Roy, Josey Wales, Brigadier Jerry, Shaggy, Freddie McGregor and the Big Ship Crew. Also billed to perform at the event are Junior Reid, Leroy Sibbles, Tony Rebel, Queen Ifrica, Tarrus Riley and Live Wyya Band with musical backing by Lloyd Parks & We The People Band and the Dean Fraser All-Star Band.
On Friday, Isaacs’ body will be driven through his community of Fletcher’s Land and then will be transported to the National Indoor Sports Centre where it will be available for viewing from 11 a.m.to 3 p.m. Isaacs’ funeral will take place on Saturday, at the National Indoor Sports Centre, with the theme ‘A Red Rose for Gregory.’ Forbes said, “There will be a one hour tribute at the church on Saturday starting at 10 a.m. so we’re asking people to come out early. The tribute will be from Judy Mowatt, Etana, I-Octane, Barbara Jones, George Nooks, Ken Boothe, Freddie McGregor, Mavado and Nexus Choir.” After the service, the singer’s body will be transported to the Dovecot Memorial Cemetery where he will be laid to rest.
Source: Jamaica-star