Sizzla performs in the United States for the first time in eight years Sunday, as a headliner for the annual Reggae On The River festival in Garberville, northern California.
On Sept. 1, he is scheduled to perform at Howard Theater in Washington, D.C. Four days later (Labor Day), he returns to his old stomping ground, New York City, for Irie Jam Radio’s second anniversary festival.
“New York is at the highest level of alert for the return of Sizzla. Every call to the station has been about Sizzla. I have never seen this response for an artist’s return to this region,” said Irie Jam Radio’s CEO Bobby Clarke.
Jahmiel, Bugle, Richie Spice and Mr. Vegas are also confirmed for the show, which takes place at Roy Wilkins Park in Queens.
Sizzla was among several dancehall/reggae artists whose United States visas were revoked in 2008 for anti-gay utterances.
New York City’s Labor Day activities are arguably the largest and most diverse in the U.S. Its massive West Indian community is strongly represented with a parade and events showcasing the region’s culture.
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