The momentum leading up to Reggae Sumfest, dubbed “reggae nirvana” and “quite simply the be-all and end-all of reggae festivals”, builds with anticipation before its 8-day takeover in Montego Bay next month (July 15-22).
Following NYC’s Reggae Sumfest launch party in April, events in Kingston (May 30) at Usain Bolt’s Tracks and Records and Montego Bay (May 18) at the Iberostar Suites transpired to gear up for the festivities. This Sat. June 9, Red Stripe Presents Reggae Sumfest will take over Miami’s Wynwood Artwalk for the official countdown to the festival. The launch will feature live DJ sets and a performance by Jamaican singer Christopher Martin, who has performed on the Reggae Sumfest stage multiple times.
At the Kingston launch event last week, which featured performances by Bounty Killer and Capleton, Chairman and CEO of Downsound Entertainment (DSE) and Owner of Reggae Sumfest Joe Bogdanovich highlighted the festival’s growth. According to Bogdanovich, who acquired the brand in 2016, “Our streaming attendance [which was introduced in 2016] transformed Reggae Sumfest into a truly international festival with a live fan attendance of close to a million. In our aftermath, over 10 million have watched online and the numbers are increasing daily. This says a lot for the concept ‘Our Music, Our Festival.’ This year’s lineup is simply awesome. We have expanded the festival to eight days with seven preview and post events and two weekend live stage shows. 2018 looks promising. ”
Reggae Sumfest 2018 marks 26 years of stellar Jamaican entertainment. The year’s annual affair begins with a variety of pre-parties including the Colourfest Beach Party on Sun. July 15, Sumfest Street Dance on Mon. July 16, All-White Party on Tues. July 17, The Blitz All Black Party on Wed. July 18 featuring Stefflon Don and Safaree and Sumfest Presents Irish & Chin World Clash 20th Anniversary on Thurs. July 19. The festival’s two main concert nights take place at the historic Catherine Hall venue on Fri. July 20 and Sat. July 21 featuring live performances from Popcaan, Sizzla, Aidonia, Sasco, Masicka, Spice, Beres Hammond, Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley, Maxi Priest and many more. Patrons can access updates on the line-up, tickets and events on the official website: www.reggaesumfest.com.
