"For the first time in its 128 year history, reggae music will take center stage at the annual Penn Relay Carnival at the Franklin Field stadium, University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. It's a big deal!" says Irwine Clare, Sr, CEO of Team Jamaica Bickle (TJB). The Penn Relay Carnival takes place from April 25-27.
Clare made the announcement recently at the TJB's Black Tie & Sneakers Gala in New York, adding that reggae singer Chris Martin will perform for more 100,000 patrons on Saturday, April 27 at the 'TJB30 Pop Up Vibes' at the event.
Prior to Chris Martin's performance, New York's own DJ Roy of Road International, will 'vibes up di stadium' with a selection of reggae, dancehall and soca hit songs. Both performances will take place immediately following the running of the Championships of America High School boys 4x400 metres final.
Reggae Sumfest, which takes place this summer in Montego Bay and VP Records, the world's leading distributor of reggae and soca music are both sponsors of the 'TJB30 Pop Up Vibes.'
"This achievement, having reggae take center stage at the Penn Relay Carnival represents our continuity in raising the bar for Brand Jamaica and the Caribbean. It is a fitting tribute to 60 years of school participation and 30 years of TJB participation at the Penn Relays. We say thanks and appreciation to support from, Scott Ward of the University of Penn, Reggae Sumfest, VP Records, Consulate General Alsion Wilson, Jamaican Dave, and HypaSounds," Clare said.
Scott Ward, Executive Associate AD, Chief Operations Officer, University of Pennsylvania added, "It is a big year for Penn Relays. 128 years for us, 60 years for Jamaica participating at Penn Relays and 30 years for TJB. It is just amazing that all of this comes together all at the same time," he said.
"Reggae music, along with our outstanding athletes, stand as some of our finest ambassadors, showcasing the strength and appeal of Brand Jamaica on the world stage. This synergy at such a prestigious event not only entertains but also deepens the appreciation of our rich cultural heritage" shared Jamaica's Consul General in New York, Mrs. Alsion Wilson.
Jamaica first participated in the annual Penn Relay Carnival in 1964, with a Kingston College (KC) relay team that won gold in the 440-yard relay final. Since then Penns has been a magnet for high school and collegiate athletes from Jamaica. In 1999, TJB became the 1st Jamaican organization to be a participating sponsor at the Penn Relays which resulted in the Jamaican flag becoming the 1st foreign flag to be flown at the Penn Relays, a distinction unmatched. The 2024 Penn Relay Carnival is expected to attract more than 15,000 athletes to Philadelphia from April 25-27. Among the prominent high schools expected to dominate the relays include Kingston College, Jamaica College, Calabar, Edwin Allen High, Hydel High School, Holmwood Technical, Vere Technical and St Jago.