Grammy Award Winning Artist Jon Secada and Top Jamaican Acts Confirmed for
March 4-6 Festival
KINGSTON, JAMAICA – February 11, 2021 – Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival organizers have added a charity component to this year’s festival. They will be seeking to raise funds for industry professionals impacted by the pandemic. With this year’s event being free of charge, music lovers tuning in to watch the performances are encouraged to contribute to the fund via www.jamaicajazzandblues.com. Sponsored by the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), the virtual event will be held March 4-6, 2021, under the theme Bringing Back the Magic. It will focus on sharing the rich music, culture, and passion that Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival fans have become accustomed to.
“We are pleased to welcome the return of the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival and laud the organizers on the charity element,” said Donovan White, Jamaica’s Director of Tourism. “In past years, the event has been a big draw for visitors looking to enjoy some quality entertainment in Jamaica. Although it will be virtual this year, we believe this event serves as a precursor to what we can expect in 2022, when music lovers will be able to join us again for an in-person experience.”
Organizers intend to shine the spotlight on a challenging year experienced by the industry and appeal to support for the affected workers. Individual and corporate donations can be made during the festival, returning to the entertainment calendar after a five-year hiatus. The lineup includes Grammy Award-winning artist Jon Secada alongside several top Jamaican artists, including Richie Stephens, Lila Iké, Tessellated, Jah9, and Mortimer.
Six winning acts from the Festival’s Banquest Competition, which highlights top local talent, will take the virtual stage on its opening night. The local bands include Iron Kyte, Roots Percussionist, Rayven Amani, Ketura, Ken Ellis, and 8, all selected through a public vote.
Over the years, the event has attracted a wide range of top local and international acts, including Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers, Ernie Ranglin, Celine Dion, Mariah Carey, Michael Bolton, Kenny G, Mary J. Blige, and Billy Ocean, to name a few.
The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), founded in 1955, is Jamaica’s national tourism agency based in Kingston’s capital city. JTB offices are also located in Montego Bay, Miami, Toronto, and London. Representative offices are located in Berlin, Barcelona, Rome, Amsterdam, Mumbai, Tokyo, and Paris.
Last year, the JTB was declared the Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Board by the World Travel Awards (WTA) for the thirteenth consecutive year, and Jamaica was named the Caribbean’s Leading Destination for the fifteenth consecutive year as well as the Caribbean’s Best Spa Destination and the Caribbean’s Best MICE Destination. As well, Jamaica copped the WTA’s World’s Leading Wedding Destination, the World’s Leading Cruise Destination, and the World’s Leading Family Destination. Additionally, Jamaica was awarded three gold 2020 Travvy Awards for Best Culinary Destination, Caribbean/ Bahamas: Best Tourism Board Overall and Best Tourism Board, Caribbean/ Bahamas. The Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA) named Jamaica the 2020 Destination of the Year for Sustainable Tourism. In 2019, TripAdvisor® ranked Jamaica as the #1 Caribbean Destination and #14 Best Destination in the World. Jamaica is home to some of the world’s best accommodations, attractions, and service providers that continue to receive prominent global recognition.
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