“If you’ve ever thought of going to Jamaica and thought it was too expensive, worry not. We’ll bring it to you in Williamstown.”
That’s Jamaican Music and Food Festival organiser Stick Mareebo’s pitch to get punters along to the annual event at Seaworks on Saturday, December 7.
And given the Caribbean nation famous for its tropical beaches, laid back lifestyle, food, music and cricket is more than half a world away, it’s pretty convincing.
“A very good friend of mine described it as a smorgasbord of food and culture, like a Disneyland of Jamaica,” said Mareebo of the festival which he not only organises, but programs, produces and founded almost a decade ago.
“It’s my baby,” he added.
Like all babies though, the festival has grown, with the ninth edition featuring a wide variety of music and food, not just the reggae and jerk chicken Jamaica is most famous for.
“All different genres of Jamaican music, ska, rocksteady, dance hall, lovers rock, jungle, drum n bass and roots,” said Mareebo of the lineup which will be spread across three stages and is presented as part of the state government’s Always Live music program.
The range of cuisine on offer will be similarly eclectic.
“We will have 25 different food vendors, about seven of them are strictly Jamaican cuisine,” Mareebo said, adding that vegan options, including Ital food favoured by the Rastafarian movement, would also be available.
“It has no meat, no fin, no feathers, nothing with a face,” he said, describing Ital.
The festival kicks off at 11am and goes through to 9pm in the evening and with it being a long day, Mareebo had this final piece of advice to anyone thinking of attending.
“Wear proper dancing shoes.”
Information and tickets: jmff.com.au
