The 20th Annual Get Up Stand Up Festival returns with its vibe, spirit and celebration of oneness. Make way for the positive day as it continues to pay tribute to the honourable Robert Nesta Marley, aka Bob Marley, with “One Love” celebration of live performances, art and foods.
Get Up Stand Up Festival expresses our hopes and dreams of a world in which what we have in common is far greater than that which divides us. The Festival takes it to the top, offering the highest quality of performance, socio-political ambiance, and service to community available anywhere. Past years have featured the likes of Queen Ifrica, I-Wayne, Mutabaruka, Fantan Mojah, Ras Takura and Luciano.
The Marley surname perpetuates Jamaican royalty, resonates with world-wide recognition and represents the pioneer of a cultural, political and social revolution. This year’s Festival is headlined by Ky-Mani Marley, Jamaican artist and reggae royalty. He is the only child of table tennis champion Anita Belnavis and music and cultural icon Bob Marley. He incorporates world music, hip hop, blues, rock, and a grassroots sound into his music, and the end product is his pure representation of life.
From the Dominican Republic, Amara La Negra will be performing. She is the embodiment of today’s woman, created with a hint of the past and a twist of tomorrow. Self-described as eccentric, vibrant, and ambitious, Amara draws inspiration from music legends Celia Cruz and Beyoncé. The break-out star of Love & Hip Hop: Miami, Amara is a Dominican-American entrepreneur, recording artist, dancer, spokesperson, philanthropist, model, and actor, who sheds light on the challenges of navigating the entertainment industry as an Afro-Latina.
From the beautiful island of Anguilla, Omari Banks found his musical calling at a young age when he first took the stage in Milan, Italy, to sing alongside his father Bankie Banx. Finding his inspiration through an eclectic genre of music, Omari perfected his craft by writing and becoming a proficient guitar player.
Closing out the line-up from Sint Maarten are Ku-J, Shawn J, La-Vaune Henry, and Kisha Richards. Coming over from Saba are Thaddeus Nicholson and the One Blood Band to pulse through the crowd, raising the vibration as Mix Master Pauly and Spirit Man from Zion Gates Sound maintain the positive vibes throughout the night. Visual art displayed echoes sentiments felt throughout the human experience while plant-based and cruelty-free dishes complement the compassionate atmosphere.
Founder Roland “Bushman” Joe says, “The festival started with an obligation to do something good, and to affect people positively. The ways in which we can have a positive effect are limitless. By working together, we transform communities, our environment and ourselves, being a part of the how and why, remembering that many hands lighten the load”.
An evening of peace, love & unity, Get Up Stand Up Festival takes place on Saturday, February 8, from 5:00pm to 3:00am at the Festival Village in Philipsburg. This event is family-friendly. Tickets cost $35 in advance and are available online at https://getupstandupfestival.com – children under 12 are free when accompanied by an adult. For more information, visit Get up Stand Up on Facebook or call 1 721 553-2297.
