Cardi B set for first J’can show; BZR promises top production

When Cardi B takes the stage at Jamaica’s National Stadium this Heroes Weekend, the performance will mark the international superstar’s first stadium show. And, according to Kelvin Santiago, Cardi B’s manager, the rapper is excited about performing for her Jamaican fans for the first time. He spoke briefly during Wednesday’s BZR Weekend media launch at the AC Hotel Kingston, which drew social media personalities, entertainment stakeholders and government officials, including Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange.

“She’s very excited. It’s her first stadium show that she’s ever done and her first show here. So, we’re excited. Can’t wait,” Santiago said.

Gramps Morgan, one of the show’s promoters, said patrons who enjoyed BZR Weekend’s previous staging featuring Chris Brown can expect the same high level of production for Cardi B.

“Martin Lewis does the best production. If you have noticed the last couple [of] shows at the National Stadium, the production was fantastic,” he said. “If you weren’t there for the Chris Brown BZR, then you saw Freedom Street with Vybz Kartel. We want everyone to know this will be first-class production.”

While some have already begun comparing Cardi B’s upcoming show to Chris Brown’s 2023 appearance, Morgan said the artistes and their fan bases should not be measured against each other: “It’s not necessarily better because people have their favourite artistes. That’s one of the things you don’t put on a scale. [When you] compare Chris Brown to Cardi B, Chris Brown is a mega superstar, but so is Cardi B. I’m excited for the girl power.”

Morgan also teased that another major act will be added to the line-up.

“I’m excited to announce the second artiste. We’re not gonna say anything yet, but just keep it tuned to BZR Weekend,” he said.

BZR Weekend organisers also addressed ticket pricing, saying Jamaica’s ongoing recovery from Hurricane Melissa was considered when admission costs were being set.

“That’s one of the things we try to make the tickets affordable without breaking our bank because it costs,” Morgan shared.

Morgan argued, however, that the show could easily have commanded significantly higher ticket prices.

“This show is easily a [US]$300, $400 ticket, easily, compared to the capacity because the capacity is not like an 80,000-person capacity,” he said.

“So, one of the things we did take into consideration was the price point. It’s gonna be almost like a treat, but we still have to do business.”

Tier-one early-bird tickets have sold out, with tier-two tickets set to go on sale today.

Morgan also encouraged overseas patrons to make their arrangements early.

“Get your tickets, book your airlines early, because I don’t want these airlines and hotels to scare away people that really want to come and have a great time in Jamaica.”

He positioned the three-day event as an opportunity for Jamaica to showcase what it has to offer, including its food.

“The other day, I heard somebody challenge us and say Jamaican food is not the best. We have a chance to prove that on October 16 through the 18th,” he said.

He said the turnout at the launch indicated that anticipation was already building.

‘“The launch was great. The turnout is tremendous, so we can see that people are excited. It was packed. I didn’t expect so much people to come, but God is great,” he said, adding, “It’s a beautiful thing to see us celebrate our entertainment industry.”

entertainment@gleanerjm.com