Jamaican festival in Williamstown

Zare Demus, Zayden, Zemari and Ellen Wellington are ready for the Jamaican festival. Photo: Joe Mastroianni

By Goya Dmytryshchak

The third Jamaican Music and Food Festival will be held this Sunday in Williamstown, featuring the Mad Professor in the biggest line-up to date.

Festival founder DJ Stick Mareebo said this year’s event would have more international acts playing on the main stage on the waterfront.

“Mad Professor is a genius of sound,” he said. “He remixed Massive Attack’s album, he’s worked with everybody in the industry.

“We have Richie Stephens … Jamaica’s ska and rocksteady ambassador.

“We’ve organised The Ska Vendors, who are locals to Williamstown, to be Richie Stephens’ backing band. This is going to be mind-blowing.

“Then, we have Masia One. She goes by the alter ego of the Far East Empress … you have to see it to believe it.”

In a true fusion of music and food, the festival will also have Carly Day stirring it up as the Jamaican Singing Chef.

“She’ll be cooking and singing with a band, and then she’ll be giving the food away to the people who are watching and listening,” Stick said.

There will be 45 vendors, carnival rides and a costume parade at the family-friendly event.

The Pirates Tavern will have Jamaican beer on tap and and vintage rocksteady and ska on speakers.

The festival is on November 10 from 11-9pm at Seaworks, 82 Nelson Place Williamstown. Details: jmff.com.au