Inaugural Culture Fest to Feature Roots-Reggae Artist Etana

Roots-reggae is the theme for the inaugural Culture Fest, which takes place August 12 at Lallo's in Lauderhill. Featured artists are Etana, Bugle, Fantan Mojah, Natural Black and Lutan Fyah.

Also featured will be I Noah and Ras Fraser Jr as well as the Evolution Sound and CD Master sound systems.

Etana wears multiple hats for the event. She is also part of Reggae Date Night, the company promoting the show.

At a time when hardcore dancehall is dominant, the singer believes roots-reggae artists deserve their place in the spotlight.

"This lineup is strong on roots-reggae with a hint of dancehall. It is deliberate because the artists appeal to all age groups and are loaded with a positive message and much energy," she said.

Culture Fest will be held in Lauderhill, a city with a vibrant Jamaican and West Indian population. Like Brooklyn in New York, it is a hub for Caribbean culture.

Of note are the appearances of Bugle and Fantan Mojah who have not performed in South Florida for some time. Bugle has a long list of hit songs that include Nuh Compatible and Anointed while Hail The King and Rasta Got Soul are two of the songs that have endeared Fantan Mojah to hardcore dancehall and roots fans alike.

"Bugle has been releasing some of the hottest reggae tracks over the years and not performed in Fort Lauderdale for some time now. Fantan Monjah is also another artist that has not been in the United States for years. He  is about to light the stage up in straight fire mode at Lallo's and break that 10-year hiatus," said Etana.

Born in Jamaica, Etana grew up in South Florida and splits her time between her birth country and adopted home. Since getting her breakthrough in 2007 with Wrong Address, she has maintained a strong chart presence with songs like I Rise, Blessings and Reggae.