Follow Di Arrow is one of those events that have managed to live on throughout the years.

This week we take you Inside The Party, looking at some of the ingredients for the success of Follow Di Arrow.

The stage show is now in its 11th year and there are several reasons for this success, promoter Dexton Ennis explained.

“It has been an overall good experience but there are times when it is overwhelming and challenging. The show features many artistes who all have different demands and personalities. At times I actually feel like calling it quits. It’s not easy but at the end of the day friends continue to encourage me. I have a good team and the people of St Mary people own this show as their own and really look forward to it every year,” said Ennis.

There are elements which help ensure a good event each year, and he described some of these elements as being the team he works with, the patrons who show support and the sponsors who help them to put on a good show.

At the launch of Follow Di Arrow last month, Ennis had mentioned rigid discipline as one of the important factors behind the running of the event.

MavadoAssassin

“Despite what critics say, discipline is in the music industry, as larger shows such as Sumfest run smoothly with the support of the artistes and patrons. They spend their money to enjoy the performances of the favourite acts and we try to meet these demands and provide a safe environment for all. As a result, patrons continue to support us yearly,” he said.

He hopes to begin a trend, stage shows islandwide will follow with the ‘Be Positive’ theme under which the event is to be held.

Ennis explained, “This year our vision is to be postive! Dancehall has developed a negative reputation in recent times and I won’t lie – some of it is true. However, this is the first major dancehall show for the year and I feel a responsibility to set the tone for how dancehall should be viewed and how the artistes and supporters should behave, and what Jamaica should expect of the dancehall for the rest of the year.

“So we are changing the perception of dancehall one step at a time and giving hope to young artistes and patrons. The hope of a better product in the future. We started with the addition of Vybz Kartel last year and this year, asking that he sends the message of unity.”

BountyKillerKartel

He has no worries that musical rivalry between the Gaza (Vybz Kartel camp) and Gully (Mavado organisation) camps will be present at the show.

“Everybody is trying to live civil and the focus from both camps is to make some money and overall – live good.”

The main sponsors of Follow Di Arrow include Magnum, Hypnotiq, Appleton, Irie FM, On Stage and Down Sound Records.

Among the big names confirmed to hit the stage are Mavado, Assassin, Bounty Killer, Kiprich, Fambo, Tony Matterhorn, Twin of Twins, Vybz Kartel, Sizzla, Gyptian and D’Angel.

For prices of $1,200 presold, $1,500 at the gate and $2,000 for VIP tickets patrons will be able to enjoy a night of their favourite acts.

Presold tickets for the show can be purchased at Total Ocho Rios, Luv Chat Mobile in Ocho Rios, No Rush Auto Care in Kingston, Shoppers Pride Food Store in Buff Bay, New Port Maria Pharmacy, Esso Port Antonio and Lee Sing Concept in Portmore.

Source: jamaica-gleaner