Usain Bolt to attend Jamaica 50 concert in city

Olympic sprinter Usain Bolt and Team Jamaica are expected to attend a landmark concert celebrating Jamaica’s 50 years of independent rule at the Symphony Hall.

The ‘fastest man in the world’ be will be joined by his fellow team-mates, including Asafa Powell and Veronica Campbell-Brown, at the prestigious city venue on Wednesday 25th July.The event will feature performances from artists and entertainers such as soul singer Beverley Knight, dub poet Benjamin Zephaniah, R&B vocalist Jaki Graham, pop singer and TV presenter Jamelia.

Also showcasing their talents on the ngiht are reggae band Musical Youth, soprano Abigail Kelly, soul singer Jimmy James, singer-songwriter Carlton Curtis, reggae vocalist Skibu, comedian Miss Culture Jam as well as from The Blue Notes, Aston Performing Arts Academy, Horizon Youth Choir, Town Hall Gospel Choir, JA Story cast, Brothers United in Christ Choir, amongst others.

Veteran artist Count Prince Miller, who took part in Jamaica’s original gala independence show in August 1962 at Kingston’s National Stadium, will open the concert which is being hosted by the Association of Jamaican Nationals UK in association with Birmingham City Council, the Jamaican High Commission and the Jamaican Athletics Administrative Association.

The USA Track and Field Team will be in Birmingham until 26 July as part of their Pre-Olympic Training Camp at the University Of Birmingham.

The concert will also include tributes to Bob Marley, the late Howard Aris and legendary Jamaican-British saxophonist and bandleader Andy Hamilton who died last month at the age of 94, and who had been invited to perform. His sons Mark and Graeme Hamilton will play in his memory.

Birmingham-born soprano Abigail Kelly is expected to lead the singing of Jamaica’s National Anthem. Proceeds from the event will be donated to the JAAA for sports development in Jamaica.

Junior Douglas, artistic producer, said: “The event is not only unique but historical too, as we will have the athletes present. The rehearsals have been mind-blowing and we have been planning some spectacular surprises.

“It’s a unique experience for young artists in Birmingham also, who will be given the chance to share the stage with such big names as Beverley Knight and Jamelia.”

The chairperson of the Association of Jamaican Nationals (Birmingham) UK, Beverly Lindsay, OBE, OD said: “This truly is a concert of a lifetime – providing both entertainment and education as we celebrate this landmark date in Jamaica’s history.” 

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Tickets for the event, which starts at 7.30pm, are £30. For details visit www.thsh.co.uk/event/jamaicas-50th-12

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