Rise To The Occasion - Sizzla celebrates 30 years of roots and fire

When the gates of Sabina Park swing open this Saturday for Rise To The Occasion -- 30 Years of Sizzla Kalonji, Kingston won't just witness another concert; it will experience a powerful celebration of roots, people, and purpose.

The reggae icon, who built a career on conscious fire and unshakable conviction, is celebrating three decades in music, and the night promises to be nothing short of epic.

Fans can expect "love, joy, happiness, and a good vibration coming from the artistes and musicians," Sizzla told THE WEEKEND STAR, declaring that the event "will be epic".

With a line-up that reads like a reggae-and-dancehall dream, expectations are high. In addition to Sizzla, several superstars are slated to take the stage at Sabina Park for the historic concert. The list includes Bounty Killer, Nadine Sutherland, Anthony B, Bushman, Jesse Royal, T'Jean, I-Wayne, Spragga Benz, Ninja Kid, Turbulence, Christopher Martin, Teflon, Warrior King, Lutan Fyah, Tarrus Riley, and Iba Mahr.

"This is where the people get to meet their favourite artistes up close and personal," Sizzla said. "This celebration is not just for me, but for the people who stood up for me in difficult times."

Grateful and grounded, the Simplicity hitmaker is using the milestone to reflect on the journey and those who stood with him. Even as he expressed gratitude for the appreciation being shown for his works, he saluted "those who've supported me in the movements of the liberation struggle".

"I could not have done it without the help of the Most High, Rastafari, and the involvement of the people," the reggae legend said.

"Looking where I'm coming from to where I've reached now with the music, I'm humbled by it," he said.

The firebrand entertainer, who says he is best defined by his hit Solid As A Rock -- an anthem that mirrors his 30-year journey: unbowed, grounded, and rooted in message as much as melody -- has remained deliberate and purposeful with his music from his earliest hits to his latest releases.

"I wrote my songs to uplift, inspire and motivate the suffering mass. I chose special words to be the topics that would help influence others in the right way. People are being shoved in a corner every day based on the corrupted system of slavery," Sizzla said.

"As an artiste, my duty is to give the people hope, love and comfort through my songs," he added.

Now, 30 years in, the August Town native remains committed to preserving and expanding the legacy of reggae and dancehall.

"We were born into the legacy of dancehall and reggae music, and it's our duty to add to it and maintain such a rich heritage," he explained.

"My work is to build on that wealth, not break it down. Such a beautiful country with the two greatest cultural genres in music -- it's a blessing to show my craft and use it to the best of my ability."

And Sizzla isn't slowing down.

"After 30 years I'll be giving you 30 more years of good music. I'm thinking of doing my Sizzla brand and increase in merchandising, while continuing my philanthropic duties," he said.

The Black Woman and Child singer said he wants to be remembered for setting a solid foundation and building an infrastructure that uphold his cultural beliefs. For the veteran entertainer, music is a universal language, a spiritual tool as much as an art form.

"When the future generations can see the artiste of their past playing instruments and producing music, it will encourage them in the same sense of direction and with this, our music cannot die or be faded," he said.