The Jolly Boys to perform with Grammy winner Shaggy at AFJ Peacock Soiree in Miami

After their rocking American debut in New York in February the legendary Kings of Mento will be returning to the U.S in just a few days to share the stage with Grammy winner Shaggy at the 7th Annual American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ) Peacock Soiree on Saturday, April 9, 2011 in Miami.



The gala honors diamond-selling performer Orville “Shaggy” Burrell as the 2011 International Humanitarian for his philanthropic role in assisting the Bustamante Hospital for Children in Kingston, Jamaica.The Peacock Soiree will be held at Miami’s Jungle Island, a lush, tropical setting with a festive atmosphere that sets the tone for a night of cocktails, dinner and performances. Another highlight of the evening is an anticipated silent and live auction. The proceeds of the Peacock Soiree create significant social impact by raising important funds distributed to Jamaican charities in education, healthcare and economic development.

The Jolly Boys will perform their brand of lively modern Mento music for Soiree attendees after dinner. Hailing from Port Antonio, Jamaica, the Jolly Boys have entertained crowds around the world and were once the house band for the Rat Pack in Port Antonio during the 1950’s and 60’s. Introducing a new sound and direction, The Jolly Boy’s new album Great Expectation includes scratchy covers of hits from Amy Winehouse, New Order and Johnny Cash, among others. The band will perform exclusive tracks from the new album, which drops in the US on May 3.

Mento was the music of the Jamaican dancehalls before ska, rocksteady and reggae came along. A people’s music typically played in the countryside on acoustic – often homemade – instruments, it dates to the late 19th century. Its lyrics often dealt with taboo topics and addressed the social issues of the day. Although often confused with calypso, Mento has a rawness and rhythmic feel that is uniquely Jamaican.


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