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Kings of Reggae to jam Sri Lanka

by Tharika Goonathilake and Kushani Ratnayake

The Kings of Reggae music UB40, who gave the world a taste of `Red Red Wine', 'Kingston Town' and 'Getting the Babes' will perform in Sri Lanka on December 14 as part of the Mega Peace Concert.

The group hailing from Birmingham with over 50 million album sales worldwide to their credit in a career spanning over 20 years, will perform with a host of top local artistes at Parliament grounds in keeping with the season's theme of peace, harmony and goodwill to mankind.

The band's visit has been made possible through an initiative taken by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and Minister of Consumer Affairs and Trade Ravi Karunanayake with the backing of the private sector.

The group will provide both UB40 fans and local music lovers a chance to hear their repertoire of international hits on Lankan soil.

Briefing the media, Minister Karunanayake said that the Peace Concert has been organised to put Sri Lanka on the map as a safe destination and celebrate the country's mammoth efforts to achieve lasting peace.

"We have had 20 years of war and strife. Now we see a light at the end of the tunnel. This is a celebration to unite and enjoy the fruits of peace that has eluded us for such a long time and show the world that Sri Lanka is a destination to reckon with," Minister Karunanayake said.

The group's visit is funded entirely by the private sector through sponsorships and advertisements. "The concept of bringing the multi-ethnic group UB40 is to promote harmony between all ethnic groups through the medium of music. The group itself is an example of ethnic unity through the universal language of music," the Minister said.

According to Minister Karunanayake, ticket prices are yet to be decided but measures will be taken to ensure afford ability. A certain percentage of tickets however, will be sold at a higher price given the interest generated in neighbouring countries like India and Pakistan. Already 4000 to 5000 foreign visitors have shown a keen interest in attending the concert. An organising committee has been set up to work on the final details. The Parliamentary grounds can accommodate up to 200,000 people. However arrangements are being made to reach areas like Anuradhapura, Jaffna, Trincomalee and Galle through a satellite link.

Sri Lankan Airlines Country Manager Chandana De Silva said a special package will be launched in Singapore, Malaysia, India, Pakistan as well as other regional destinations to promote tourism.

"We will be encouraging other airlines to join in the campaign to market the event," De Silva said. UB 40 was initially formed as a band of eight boyhood friends in the Moseley area of Birmingham in 1978. Bonded by the love of music they toyed with cover songs by their favourite reggae stars and played in local pubs and club pubs before storming the music world with their first number one hit, Red Red Wine from the album Labour of Love.

The song remained in the Charts for 18 months in 1983. All time reggae favourites like, 'Red Red Wine','I Got You Babe', 'Don't Break My Heart', 'Can't Help Falling in Love,' 'Many Rivers to Cross' 'Homely Girl,' 'Kingston Town,' 'Food For Thought', 'Breakfast in Bed' and a host of other hits shot them to fame.

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Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
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