Queens, NY: The 11th annual 'Icons Of Soul,' which will be held at the Rochdale Village Community Center in Queens, New York on Saturday, December 14, received a major endorsement when it was announced that Saladin Ali, son of Jamaican ska/rocksteady legend Prince Buster will present veteran dancer Alphonso Castro with the "Icons of Soul Ska Ambassador Award," for his long and distinguished contribution to Jamaica's culture.
Ali's brother, Sultan, who is also a supporter of the award said, "It is a befitting award to and for a man who has danced a plethora of musical genres throughout his career. A well deserve awardee - Alphanso Castro...dancing ambassador."
Michael Sterling, co-founder of 'Icons of Soul' also lavished compliments on Castro, saying "He is a cultural icon who has done a lot to promote our music, dance and culture both locally and internationally over the years. He made his mark as a phenomenal dancer in the 60's, long before contemporaries like Bogle, Keiva and John Hype came on the scene. His contribution is significant enough to merit being honored by us."
Castro, regarded as one of greatest Jamaican dancers of all time is working on a soon to be release autobiography. He earned his fame in the 1960s dancing at the popular swinging programme, ‘Teenage Dance Party.’ His versatility as a showman took him into the live music arena where he performed regularly as a percussionist and backup singer with Carlos Malcolm & The Afro-Jamaican Rhythm Band. He toured the Caribbean and North America, sharing stage with stalwarts like Lascelles Perkins, Derrick Harriott, Boris Gardener, Winston 'Mr Fix It' Francis, Monty Alexander, Ben E King, the Drifters and Carl `Cannonball` Bryan.
In 1964 he along with reggae legend Jimmy Cliff, Miss World 1963 Carol Crawford, Eric “Monty” Morris, Prince Buster, Linda Jack, Roy Willis, Sonia Blake, Byron Lee, Janet Phillips, Ronnie Nasrala, Beverley Neath, and Ken Khouri represented Jamaica as delegates at the Worlds Trade Fair in New York.
Dancer Aloysius Paul, who died earlier this year will be posthumously honored. Castro will pay tribute to him with an original dance routine that will be specially choreographed for the event.
'Icons of Soul' will also recognize the fans - who the promoters say help to make the party scene in NY possible - and the talented and skillful steppers, some of whom have been honing their craft from the 'Where It's At' days (Jamaican Soul Train). Honorees include Angie Howell, Father Barney Dudley, Junior Rocatone, Tony The Dancer, Irie Myrie, Joan Dacres and Joy Moore.
Music at Icons of Soul 2013 will be provided by Jamaica's #1 requested DJ Krazy Kriss of Kool 97 FM, Super Claude and Super Fridge of R5 Radio 93.5FM.
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