By Colin Thompson

Collie Buddz, whose real name is Colin Harper, will make a special guest appearance during the launch of Beres Hammond’s ‘One Love, One Life’ concert to be held July 31 at Par-La-Ville Car Park.

“Collie Buddz will grace the stage and make a special guest appearance,” confirmed one of the event’s promoters, Declan Harris. “We are pleased to add a home grown Bermudian talent that always looks forward to putting on a great show for his local fans.”

Mr Harris noted that early ticket sales have exceeded expectations.

“The 1,000 early bird tickets have all been sold in addition to the 300 early birds that were made available for a one-day sale as well as 400 online sales,” he said.

Mr Harris believes the late addition of Collie Buddz will enhance the show that’s already highly anticipated.

“We know there will be at least 1,700 people at Par-La-Ville Car Park but with Collie Buddz in the line-up we know there’s a potential for many more to attend,” he said. “He drew over 2,000 adoring fans performing solo last Cup Match eve at Barr’s Bay Park.”

Collie Buddz, who performed on Shaggy’s 2007 album ‘Intoxication’, is perhaps best known for his 2006 hit single ‘Come Around’.

He is the second local artist slated to appear during next month’s concert as compatriot Uzimon (Daniel Frith) is also due to perform ahead of reggae great Mr Hammond whose backing band, New Kingston, will also perform on their own.

Earlier this year The Gazette revealed that Mr Hammond will be returning to the Island for the first time in nearly five years to kick off his ‘One Love, One Life’ concert tour of North America.

Mr Hammond, who is renowned for his romantic lovers’ rock and soulful voice which has churned out hits such as ‘What One Dance Can Do’ and ‘Putting Up Resistance’, has chosen Bermuda as the first stop of his upcoming concert tour because of the fond memories he has of the Island and the many friendships he established here over the years.

The tour is named after the singer’s latest album that was released last year and soared to the top of the Billboard reggae albums chart and will see the veteran crooner perform in cities including Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Miami, Chicago, San Diego, Los Angeles, Toronto and Vancouver.

The reggae great began his career in the early 1970s, participating in talent contests in his native Jamaica after initially being inspired by late R & B legends Sam Cooke and Otis Redding and later compatriot Alton Ellis.

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