In conjunction with the November 21 launch of a new cable television network devoted to Caribbean music and culture, MTV Networks will host Caribbean Rising, a series of concerts featuring performances from more than 80 artists across genres such as reggae, dancehall, reggaeton, hip-hop, and calypso.
The first set of performances take place Oct. 15-16 in Jamaica, with subsequent concerts in Barbados (Oct. 21), St. Maarten (Oct. 25), St. Croix (Oct. 27), Nevis (Oct. 30) and Trinidad & Tobago (Nov. 5). Caribbean-born artists like Elephant Man (Jamaica) and Rihanna (Barbados) are scheduled to perform, as well as U.S.-based artists with Caribbean heritage, including the Game and Mario (Jamaica). Other performers include Bounty Killa and Lady Saw (Jamaica); Musiq Soulchild (Jamaica), Angie Stone (Nevis) and Wyclef Jean (Nevis).
With an estimated 2.5 million viewers expected, Tempo will debut in 400,000 homes in 20 Caribbean markets, providing both original and acquired programming. The channel will launch in the United States in 2006.
“Tempo represents MTV Networks’ ongoing commitment towards offering programming to underserved consumers — in this case, the prominent and ever-growing Caribbean community,” says VH1 general manager Tom Calderone, who supervises Tempo’s daily operations.
Cable & Wireless will serve as lead sponsor for all events. Other sponsors include American Airlines, Heineken, St. Maarten Cable TV and the Cayman Island Department of Tourism and Innovative Cable TV.
Artist lineup for Tempo “Caribbean Rising”
Oct. 15 (Jamaica): I Wayne, Luciano, Morgan Heritage, Jimmy Cliff, Richie Spice, TOK, Turbulence, Barrington Levy, Musiq Soulchild, Sasha, Toots & the Maytals, Marlon Binns, Bushman, Selah, Cherine Anderson, Sparkles, Swamp King, Gary “GQ” Hardie, Doneisha Prendergast, Erica “Milk” Sewell.
Oct. 16 (Jamaica): Wayne Marshall, Assasin, Bounty Killa, Elephant Man, Kiprich, Lady Saw, Leftside & Esco, The Game, Voicemail, Vybz Kartel, Mario, Stone Love, Razz & Biggy.
Oct. 21 (Barbados): Natalie Burke & Chantal, Little Rick, Krosfyah, Edwin Yearwood, David Kirton, Allison Hinds, Johnnie King, Rihanna, Rupee, Arturo Tappin, Statement, Kimberly Innis, Toni Norville.
Oct. 25 (St. Maarten): Elvis White, Mix Master Pauly, Band Mix, Sweet Mickey, Ebony & Steelpan Orchestra, Control Band, King Beau Beau, Youth Wave, Pedrin Pacheco Y su Orchestra, Mighty Dow and Super Mix Band.
Oct. 27 (St. Croix): Stanley & 10 Sleepless Nights, Xpress, Ebenezer Methodist Steel Pan, Ricardo Richards Steel Pan, Extaushaun, Machel Montano, Midnight Youth Wave.
Oct. 30 (Nevis): Masud Sadiki, Pepper Ranks, King Meeko, Kasanova, Crucial Banks, Marcia Griffiths, Morgan Heritage, Beres Hammond, Luciano, Angie Stone, Ivy Queen, Wyclef Jean.
Nov. 5 (Trinidad & Tobago): H20 Flow, Maximus Dan, Shurwayne Winchester & Traffik, Bunji Garlin & Asylum, Doug E. Fresh, Machel Montano & Xtatik.
