Chancellor’s Hall Spectrum has been banned from the campus of University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona.
According to promoters of the event the University’s administration is banning the show claiming that the show has outgrown the campus and poses a possible security threat.
The promoter Bob (who requested his real name not be used) told the STAR, “the argument is that based on reports from security the show has outgrown the campus. The audience that comes has outgrown the campus. Whenever you’re keeping campus parties they (UWI administration) want you to invite just college students. Spectrum is a big show that attracts large numbers including those outside of campus. The show is a good one, this show has obviously grown bigger than the campus. ”
Spectrum began more than twenty years ago as a small concert involving students. In 1991 Spectrum truly became a stage show with the appearance of then hugely popular Shabba Ranks, Risto Benji and the newcomer Buju Banton. Spectrum continued to gain its name throughout the years with the appearance of Stone Love on campus for the first time and artistes such as Beenie Man, Bounty Killer and others. The show has continued to attract some of the campus’ largest audiences.
As a result of this decree Spectrum is forced to move to the nearby University of Technology (Utech) campus this year. Once off the UWI Mona campus, the university does not want to be affiliated with the show in any way, leaving the student promoters to deal with the show on its own. Bob said, “we’re pretty much hurt cause we’re pushed out into the big sea without the familiarity of our campus.”
This is not the first time Spectrum has been held off campus.
Spectrum 2002 was held at the Mas Camp Village but was cut short after a stampede occurred inside the venue. However going back off campus, according to the promoters, has raised more than a few expenses for the show including a more costly venue than UWI’s familiar venue the Student’s Union.
This is the first time that the UWI administration has given the promoters an ultimatum, but with the recent shooting on campus security has been top priority for the university. Last year, there was an incident that occurred when both DJ Sunshine and Aidonia were bottled on Spectrum’s stage.
Despite the few incidents, and the new venue the promoters promise that the show will be a good one. They told the STAR that the security will be top of the line and the entertainers will try their best to promote a peaceful show.
He said “we’re trying to have no conflicting artistes on it. So everyone is pretty much audience friendly. This year’s show is entitled ‘Nice Again’ for the party vibe. Artistes have been given an ultimatum as well for no violence, no lewd lyrics just peace and love.”
‘Spectrum 2k8…Nice Again’ will be held at the Utech on February 1 and features artistes such as Mavado, Busy Signal, Jah Cure, Sizzla, Serani, Deva Brat and a special surprise artiste.
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