Fun in the Son, also known as Best Dressed Fun in the Son, is an annual gospel music festival held in Jamaica.

History

First held in March 2002 as a free event, it was originally staged at King's House and Heroes Circle in Ocho Rios.[1][2] It became a three-week festival and moved to Kingston in 2005.[3] It is organised by Tommy Cowan and Carlene Davis's Glory Music organisation.[1] Cowan described the aim of the festival as to "win this generation for Christ".[4]

The event attracted sponsorship from the Jamaican Broilers Group and was renamed 'Best Dressed Fun in the Son', a reference to the group's Best Dressed Chicken brand.[1] In 2012 Fun in the Son was staged at National Heroes Park in Kingston, one of the official events held as part of the celebrations of Jamaica's 50 years of independence.[3][5] An event was also held in Haiti in 2013, and an Autumn tour of schools in Jamaica took place that year.[6]

As well as musical performances, the event includes religious ministry and expanded to include fairground rides and other attractions.[1] The 2014 event is to feature extreme sports, football, marching bands, and a Gospel jazz concert.[4][7]

In 2014 the event will be staged in July at the Jamworld Entertainment Complex in Portmore, St. Catherine.[1]

Headline artists over the years have included Papa San, Carlene Davis, Kirk Franklin, and Goddy Goddy.[1][3] Other artists to perform include Lieutenant Stitchie, Prodigal Son, The Grace Thrillers, Hezekiah Walker, and Ron Kenoly.[2]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f "Fun in the Son moves to Jamworld", Jamaica Observer, 19 February 2014. Retrieved 25 May 2014
  2. ^ a b Diouf, Mamadou & Nwankwo, Ifeoma Kiddoe (eds.) (2010) Rhythms of the Afro-Atlantic World: Rituals and Remembrances, University of Michigan Press, ISBN 978-0472070961, p. 50
  3. ^ a b c "Kirk Franklin To Headline Fun In The Son 2012", Jamaica Gleaner, 26 June 2012. Retrieved 25 May 2014
  4. ^ a b "Churches Take To The Streets In Support Of Fun In The Son", Jamaica Gleaner, 25 May 2014. Retrieved 25 May 2014
  5. ^ "Fun In The Son Changes Date, Venue", Jamaica Gleaner, 24 May 2012. Retrieved 25 May 2014
  6. ^ "Fun in the Son school tour starts Monday", Jamaica Observer, 27 September 2013. Retrieved 25 May 2014
  7. ^ "Jamworld to host Fun in the Son Archived 25 May 2014 at the Wayback Machine", Jamaica Star, 27 February 2014. Retrieved 25 March 2014

External links

Religious music festivals
Categories