Big production, surprises in store for Masicka’s Forever 1NE

Dancehall star Masicka is looking to make a major statement in his hometown of Portmore, St Catherine, with the inaugural staging of his concert, Forever 1NE Music Festival, scheduled for December 19 at Caymanas Park.

The launch, held on Monday night, unveiled the first batch of performers for the festival, including Dexta Daps, Shaneil Muir and I-Wayne, while offering a glimpse into what patrons can expect from the production.

For Masicka, bringing the festival to the Sunshine City is particularly meaningful, as it represents an opportunity to embrace the community where he grew up.

“You know Portmore a mi home, a weh mi [born]. It only right that, after reaching this milestone inna me career, after working so hard and putting out this level a work that mi can embrace the people weh a support me so long,” he said in an interview with THE STAR on Monday night.

“It holds a lot of sentimental value fi me. These are the roads I used to run up and down pan. So, fi come back inna the position I’m in, it’s a great feeling,” he added.

Among the government officials present at the launch were Entertainment Minister Olivia Grange and Delano Seiveright, minister of state in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, who highlighted the role of entertainment in promoting Jamaica internationally.

“Entertainment is a big way to carry Jamaica’s flag. But, beyond that, anywhere in the world you go, whether it be for tourism or investment, entertainment is the cornerstone. They talk about our artistes all the way from Bob Marley to Masicka. So it really shows the fact that these guys have been waving the Jamaican banner high enough for everyone to see, and we will continue to [support] them as they do so,” Seiveright said.

The festival is being presented by Masicka and his 1Syde team, in partnership with Zimi Entertainment, with Magnum serving as title partner. It will also mark the entertainer’s first time headlining his own show.

Monique Blake, Masicka’s manager and event organiser, said the response following Monday’s launch has been encouraging, with ticket sales experiencing a noticeable increase.

“We’ve been getting a really good response, and we saw a surge in ticket sales after [Monday night’s] launch, which we’re excited about. You put so much into planning something like this, so seeing people respond and support it means a lot,” Blake said.

She added that the reception to the artistes announced so far suggests that audiences are connecting with the concept, although the team has more announcements to make.

Blake shared that the production is being designed to make a strong impression, with the venue expected to reflect the scale and significance of Masicka’s homecoming.

“We want people to walk into Caymanas Park and feel like they’ve arrived at something special. This is a big homecoming for Masicka, so the space has to reflect that energy, from the stage and production to the different sections and experiences throughout the venue,” she said.

Nicholas ‘Zimi Nick’ Mahfood, head of Zimi Entertainment, described working with Masicka and his management team as a positive experience, citing the entertainer’s professionalism and the strength of his support team.

He said the Caymanas Park infield would accommodate a large-scale production, with elaborate lighting, screens and staging, while safety would remain a priority.

“We’ve kept events there before. It’s a very big space. We’re keeping it on the infield — massive production, crazy lighting, screens, stage. Obviously, safety for all the patrons — we’re going all out with that,” Mahfood said.

Meanwhile, Blake hinted that patrons could expect additional surprises beyond the performers already announced, but remained tight-lipped about the details ahead of the event.

“I’m not one to spoil a good surprise, so I’m keeping a few things to myself! We’ve already given people a taste of what to expect with the artistes announced so far, but there’s more to come, both on stage and across the festival,” she said.

entertainment@gleanerjm.com