Mackie Conscious - This is the kind of opportunity I have been hoping for. - File

Western Bureau:

Montego Bay-based singer Mackie Conscious, who has been building quite a name for himself with his consciousness/roots-flavoured reggae music, has been booked to perform at the Fifth Summit of the Americas Conference, which will be attended by several world leaders, including United States President Barack Obama.

The summit, which will be held in Trinidad and Tobago and starts on Friday, is being staged under the theme, 'Securing Our Citizens' Future by Promoting Human Prosperity, Energy Security and Environmental Sustainability' - issues that mirror the musical philosophy of Mackie Conscious.

A release from the organisers stated that "by all appearances, Mackie Conscious truly lives and sings about the real consciousness of life and should easily fit into an event like this".

The chance to perform at such a prestigious event for esteemed world leaders has filled Mackie Conscious with much personal satisfaction and has somewhat vindicated his decision to invest his talent in edifying music. Mackie Conscious' songs, which include The World is in Trouble, Cellphone on the Hip, More Reality and Jungle Out There, address local and international social issues.

Great privilege

"It is a real honour and a great privilege to be invited to perform at this summit," said Mackie Conscious. "The mere fact that the president of the United States of America, President Obama, will be there, makes it even more special."

Mackie Conscious hopes to use this opportunity to repair reggae's image, which has taken a battering in recent times with songs glorifying sex and guns dominating the airwaves, which resulted in a crackdown by the Broadcasting Commission.

"Within recent times, there has been much negative press on reggae artistes and this is a chance for me to go out there and repair some of the damage," Mackie Conscious said. "It is a joy for me to get a chance to go out and paint a positive picture about Jamaica's music."

Mackie Conscious' invitation has been gaining international attention and is featured in several major reggae publications across the world, including the respected Reggae Festival E-Guide.

"I have several interviews lined up with media houses across Trinidad and Tobago so this will be a great opportunity to promote the positive side of Jamaica's music," he said. "This is the kind of opportunity I have been hoping for ... a chance to spread the message of true peace, love and unity."

Mackie Conscious' forthcoming performance follows Ziggy Marley's at the White House yesterday. Marley was invited to be a part of the White House Easter celebrations.