For the primary time within the 128-year-history of the annual Penn Relays Carnival, reggae music will take heart stage on Saturday on the Franklin Subject Stadium, College of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.
Reggae singer Chris Martin — who has scored with hit singles “Cheaters Prayer,” “Huge Deal,” “Let Her Go,” “Mama,” “Is It Love,” and “Goodness of God” — will carry out earlier than greater than 100,000 athletic followers on the ultimate day of the three-day occasion on the “TJB30 Pop Up Vibes”.
“This achievement represents our continuity in elevating the bar for Model Jamaica and the Caribbean. It’s a becoming tribute to 60 years of faculty participation and 30 years of Group Jamaica Bickle (TJB) participation on the Penn Relays. It’s a giant deal!” Irwine Clare, Sr., CEO of TJB, informed Caribbean Life on Monday.
Clare stated Martin’s efficiency will happen instantly after the working of the Championships of America Excessive College Boys 4×400-metres last.
Scott Ward, government affiliate AD, chief operations officer, College of Pennsylvania, informed Caribbean Life he was thrilled to have fun with Jamaica and Group Jamaica Bickle on the Penn Relays Carnival this 12 months.
“It’s a huge 12 months for Penn Relays — 128 years for us, 60 years for Jamaica collaborating at Penn Relays and 30 years for TJB. It’s simply superb that each one of this comes collectively all on the similar time,” he stated.
Jamaica Consul Basic to New York Alsion Wilson stated she, too, was delighted with the inclusion of reggae on the Penn Relays Carnival.
“The timing couldn’t be extra good, as this 12 months we additionally have fun the worldwide success of ‘One Love the Film,’ which has shone a highlight on Jamaica’s vibrant tradition and spirit,” she stated. “Reggae music, together with our excellent athletes, stand as a few of our most interesting ambassadors, showcasing the energy and enchantment of Model Jamaica on the world stage.
“This synergy at such a prestigious occasion not solely entertains but in addition deepens the appreciation of our wealthy cultural heritage,” Wilson added.
Previous to Martin’s efficiency, New York’s personal DJ Roy of Street Worldwide, will “vibes up di stadium” with a choice of reggae, dancehall and soca hit songs.
Jamaica first participated within the annual Penn Relay Carnival in 1964, with a Kingston School (KC) relay workforce that received gold within the 440-yard relay last.
Since then, Penns has been a magnet for highschool and collegiate athletes from Jamaica.
In 1999, TJB turned the primary Jamaican group to be a collaborating sponsor on the Penn Relays, which resulted within the Jamaican flag additionally turning into the primary overseas flag to be flown on the Penn Relays, “a distinction unmatched”, Clare stated.
The 2024 Penn Relay Carnival is anticipated to draw greater than 15,000 athletes to Philadelphia from April 25-27.
Among the many distinguished Jamaican excessive faculties anticipated to dominate the relays are: Kingston School, Jamaica School, Calabar, Edwin Allen Excessive, Hydel Excessive College, Holmwood Technical, Vere Technical and St. Jago.
“I’m an enormous fan of what TJB does,” Ward stated. “The help service they provide to the scholar athletes, they may all the time be welcomed right here. We respect what they do and we’re simply excited to have fun with them.”
Clare stated: “We are saying thanks and appreciation to help from Scott Ward, of the College of Penn; Reggae Sumfest; VP Data, Consulate Basic Alsion Wilson; Jamaican Dave; and HypaSounds.”
