Jamaica Independence Celebration in New York “Honoring Greatness” Skatalites in the spotlight
WASHINGTON, DC – Legendary 1960s ska band The Skatalites will be honored in New York with the spotlight shining on Jamaica’s 52nd anniversary of independence, at the annual Independence Gala organized by the Jamaica Independence Celebration Foundation Inc. (JICFI).
“Honoring Greatness” is the theme of this year’s Gala, which will also honor the noted actress and singer Sheryl Lee Ralph as well as New York Carib News publishers Dr. Karl and Faye Rodney.
Scheduled for 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 16, at the New York Marriot Marquis Hotel in Manhattan, the event features former Jamaican Prime Minister the Most Hon. P.J. Patterson as special guest. Mr. Patterson will also present awards.
The Skatalites began their storied journey in 1964 and staked their claim as Jamaica’s premier ska band, while rising to prominence racking up legions of fans worldwide. Known for impressive horns and brass, they produced an impeccable, neatly synthesized sound, unleashing hits such as ‘Guns of Navarone,’ ‘Phoenix City,’ ‘Addis Ababa,’ ‘Silver Dollar,’ ‘Corner Stone,’ and ‘Blackberry Brandy.’ This made them truly the soundtrack of that generation. Most of the original members of the Skatalites are now deceased.
Lester Sterling, the only surviving (original) member and who played alto saxophone, will accept the award on behalf of the band. Posthumous awards will go to Don Drummond, who played trombone; Lloyd Knibb, drums; Jerome, “Jah Jerry’ Haynes, guitar; Jackee Mittoo, piano; Lloyd Brevett, bass and drum; Tommy McCook, tenor saxophone; Roland Alfonso, tenor saxophone; and John ‘Dizzy Moore, trumpet. Doreen Schaffer, who later joined the group, will also be in attendance to receive an award. Today, a new version of the band still tours giving life to the music of the group while exposing the music to and attracting younger fans.
Born in Jamaica in the late 1950s, ska is a music genre that was the precursor to rocksteady and reggae, and has remained popular in many international quarters.
The celebration of 52 years of Jamaica’s independence spotlights those uniquely Jamaican creations and contributions to world, and evokes great national pride amongst the island’s sons and daughters everywhere. The annual gala in New York attracts Diaspora movers and shakers as well as friends and supporters from diverse backgrounds.
The Jamaican Independence Celebration Foundation, Inc. (JICFI) is a non-profit organization, dedicated to celebrating Jamaica’s independence. Proceeds from the Ball are donated to charities in Jamaica and the USA.
