From Gaza to Xtravaganza

Jamaican performer Kim Hamilton and this country’s very own dancehall queen First Lady are expected to be the highlight of this year’s Heritage Xtravaganza.{{more}}

The two talented young women are expected to be the feature acts at the second annual event, which takes place this Saturday at Cherry Hill, Petit Bordel, as part of Hott Vibes Promotions’ week of activities.

Hamilton, formerly ‘Gaza Kim’ of the Vybz Kartel-led Portmore Empire, will be making her first overseas appearance since breaking away from the Empire, which has seen some of its members leaving the group.

She now performs under the new stage name ‘KYM’.

She is well known for her songs “Amen”, “Bill”, “Faithful”, and a number of collaborations with ex-Gaza mates Jah Vinchi, Ryno, Lisa Hype and Vybz Kartel.

Kym and First Lady will share the stage with the likes of Ghetto Rich, Mijé Models, dance group Ground Breakers, Elegance Sounds out of Grenada and local DJs Taurus, Kano and Ruffy.

Hott Vibes chief Rudy Louie indicated that Saturday’s show will start the ball rolling on a series of events.

“We were supposed to have a Sports Xtravaganza this Sunday (March 14th), but we postponed it because of the One-Day International Cricket at Arnos Vale.”

The Sports Day, which is expected to feature a number of field and obstacle races, will now take place Sunday, March 21, 2010, at the Petit Bordel playing field.

On Monday, March 15th, the North Leeward Heritage endurance race will take place.

“This will start at Fitz Hughes – we going up to Sharpes, Chateaubelair, through Padmira, and head across to Rose Hall, down to Troumaca up to Cherry Hill, Troumaca for the Final.”

Louie indicated that the prizes will be awarded in the groups – seven to 10-year-old category, who will start at Rose Hall, 11-14 starting at Chateaubelair and 15 and Over at Fitz Hughes.

Hott Vibes, which has been in existence since 2004, has been hosting a number of events over the years.

Recently, the group hosted a Soca on the Hill show, which featured Grenadian soca artiste Lava Man.

According to Louie, he intends to have more shows and foreign artistes coming to these shores, and, of course, there are big things in store for the upcoming Carnival season.(JJ)