Rap, Calypso, Reggae Will Spice Up Festival

A rapper from Panama, a reggae singer from South Africa and two calypso greats are on the bill for FESTAC Explosion ‘93, a celebration of Caribbean music Sunday at the Rainbow Lagoon in Long Beach.

El General (Edgardo Franco) is a native of Panama who emigrated to New York with his family in 1985 and has since gone on to become one of the top Latin rappers. Lucky Dube was a Zulu pop singing star at home in South Africa before switching to a reggae style, which has brought him international success.

Two generations of calypso stars will also be featured. The Mighty Sparrow started his singing career in Trinidad in 1956 and continues to be one of the top stars of the form. David Rudder, combining soca and calypso styles, came onto the scene in 1986 and has since won some of the top calypso awards.

Others on the bill for the daylong festival include Bella Carib, the Mighty Duke, Elsworth James, Senegalese Djimbe dancers and drummers, and Nigerian Egun Egun dancers and drummers. There will also be food and crafts booths.

The festival will run from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., with headliner El General taking the stage at 6 p.m. Tickets are $16. The Rainbow Lagoon is on Shoreline Drive in Long Beach. Information: (310) 836-6051.