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Uzimon ‘unavailable’ for America’s Cup show

Making a stance: Uzimon, the stage name of local reggae artist Daniel Frith, says he will not be performing at next month’s concert, unless ticket prices drop and the line-up changes

A reggae and soca concert set for the America’s Cup World Series this October in Bermuda is unlikely to have Bermuda’s own Uzimon, owing to what the artist called high ticket prices and a dearth of local acts.

International acts set to headline the October 17 show on Front Street’s No 1 Dock include Shaggy, Maxi Priest, and Spice and Company.

However, local reggae artist Daniel Frith, who performs as Uzimon, took to social media in surprise over the pricetag for the America’s Cup Jam: $100 for general admission and $300 for the VIP section.

On Facebook yesterday, Mr Frith said he had informed “the powers that be” that he would not be available for the show, adding: “If ticket prices drop and the line-up changes (aka more local acts hired) I will reconsider.”

He had been listed as MC or host for the gig, rather than as a performer, Mr Frith noted, adding: “Anyway I guess my point is I’ve just sacrificed paying work and a gig opportunity in order to stand up for my fellow Bermudians.”

Mike Winfield, head of the ACBDA, reacted last night with equal surprise, telling The Royal Gazette that he had not heard of Mr Frith’s objections.

“In terms of pricing, these are international acts that are coming to Bermuda — in relative terms, it’s a small audience for them,” Mr Winfield said.

“The problem in Bermuda is you always have small crowds.

“Shaggy might get thousands of people in the States and 1,000 or 300 people in Bermuda. He’s still got to be flown here with his band and there are a lot of costs associated with that. I don’t think what we’re asking is out of line with what you could expect elsewhere.”