André Jebbinson, Staff Reporter

For decades Jamaican entertainers have toured the world, taking along with them Jamaica's music and culture. When one thinks of tours, images of huge concerts in far-flung places, with entertainers enjoying pleasant reception from eager audiences, come to mind.

However, the more offbeat side to touring is rarely explored. Many entertainers can relate gripping tales resulting from clashes of cultures, or even of strange foods, pushy groupies or even being caught up in sweeping political events.

"I never get tired of it. It not only gives me the opportunity not only to see my fan base but to also see different places," said Da'Ville, who spent about three months out of 2006 on the road.

"The ladies will always be there and you just have to know how to deal with it. I am all about the music. I am two persons in one, Da'Ville and Orville Thomas. Da'Ville is the alter ego. You just have to know how to keep it professional," Da'Ville said.

He was put to the test on a tour, also in New York, when a few of the patrons rid themselves of their all clothes. He said he had never seen that before and was just stunned.

It is indeed a hard road to travel, considering the little sleep and the long hours spent travelling. Greater than that is the amount of time spent away from families or loved ones. Still, they make the sacrifice, as entertainers earn top dollar from touring; far moreincome than can be earned locally.

Anthony 'Sanchez' Jackson recalls two incidents involving seemingly crazed fans, which took place in New York while on tour. A problem most of the men face is that of the raging females. Often hands are in places they have no business being.

"I was on stage performing and I saw something coming towards me. I thought it was a handkerchief and I wondered if I should catch it. It fell in front of me and I realised it had straps," he recalled. The 'handkerchief' turned out to be a bra.

In the other incident, he was groped by a fan. He said he could not believe, but still had to hold it together.

Capleton, however, said he is never surprised by the things he sees on tour. Instead, he anticipates the weird things and is prepared to deal with them.

"Sometimes they go overboard, but you haffi overstand and don't mek dem feel a way. Once the message a get out there and di people a hear it, that is the most important thing," he said

But even Capleton has to admit that he gets homesick while he is away, but said he has "to cope because I am on a mission".

Capleton is sure to always take with him a piece of Jamaica through his chef. While his chef delivers in the kitchen, it is much easier for Capleton to deliver on stage.

While renowned artiste manager Copeland Forbes spends most of his time behind the scenes and not on stage, he has been to just about every destination there is. This has given him a full understanding of what Jamaican music can do.

Jamaican studs

He explain that touring means he must get used to the food in a particular country, or take his own with him. He has done the latter on occasions. While the food is different as the locations change, the general attitude of the women remains the same. They all seem to be curious about what is said about Jamaican studs, Forbes said.

In 1980s he and Jimmy Cliff were on tour in Soweto, Africa, while apartheid was still rampant. He said over 100,000 people were in attendance at a concert and something magical happened.

"The black, white and what they call coloured were there united. The authorities were shocked, because they thought it was going to be an eruption. They sent down lorries and soldiers and they came on the stage. The people started throwing bottles and I went on stage ask them to stop," he recalled

"When the soldiers left, we had a great time," Forbes said.

Now he wants Jamaicans to recognise that they have the tool for peace. Perhaps one of the most popular songs coming out of Jamaican is One Love by Bob Marley. Forbes said reggae music will unite the world.