Soca giant Byron Lee. - file

Krista Henry, Staff Reporter

After years of contributing to the local music scene, soca pioneer Byron Lee is being honoured with a concert held in his name. Dubbed 'Honour the Dragon - Tribute to Byron Lee', the show was conceptualised by the Friends of Byron Lee Committee.

Member of Parliament, Olivia 'Babsy' Grange, who is herself an enthused member of the Friends of Byron Lee Committee, says "Byron Lee has demanded international respect for taking Jamaican/ Caribbean culture to musica ... a man of this cultural stature must be recognised with performances in his honour." According to Peter Couch, another member of the Friends of Byron Lee Committee, Mr. Lee has been dealing with the treatment for his recent illness and, as such, there is a renewed sense of urgency to honour the legend.

Mr. Couch said, "We want to honour his years of being in the business, how he has crossed over. He has been involved in so many aspects - studio, artiste work, etc."

The Friends of Byron Lee Committee was recently formed to plan the concert. Byron Lee has forged his name with numerous achievements, having 150 awards under his musical belt.

Pivotal role in j'can music

With 50 years of experience, Byron Lee played a pivotal role in the explosion of Jamaican music in the 1960s and '70s. From the formation of the band Byron Lee and the Dragonnaries in 1956 with a ska overtone, their international break followed with a performance in the James Bond Film, Dr. No. This was followed by the stir they created in 1964 at the New York World Fair, where the sound of Jamaica - ska - was taken beyond our shores. Artistes such as Jimmy Cliff, Ken Booth and Desmond Deccer accompanied the band.

Lee successfully managed to be a promoter, owner of the Dynamic Sounds label and studio owner, coupled with the responsibilities of the band. Even in his golden age and his battle with cancer, he remains committed to the music and the entertainment industry, promoting and performing at the 2007 Jamaica Carnival, as well as making appearances at the Trinidad Carnival and the recently concluded opening of the ICC World Cup 2007 opening ceremony.

The 'Honour the Dragon - Tribute to Byron Lee' concert will take place on the Lawns of King's House on Saturday, June 30, 2007.

Vigour and professionalism are themes that are evident throughout Byron Lee's musical career and, as such, the organisers are trying to bring that level of what they call 'dragon fire' to the event. While the artistes are yet to be confirmed, so far the committee is planning a carnival section with noted Caribbean artistes and a Jamaican section with memorable local artistes.

For more information, visit www.whatsonjamaica.com or call 931-0580 for info and reservations.