It is about that time again when patrons will be feted with a great time of music and fun at Reggae Sumfest, also referred to as “the greatest show on earth”. This year’s Sumfest is geared to kick off on July 15^th with a beach party at Tropical Bliss Beach in Montego Bay, St, James. This event has been going on now for 25 years and has become a staple in the summer for Jamaicans throughout the diaspora and tourists from the USA, Europe, and even Africa and Australia.

Patrons definitely are in for a treat with eight days of events and excitement. This year features pre-events in various locations, in the second city, of Montego Bay, like Pier 1 Montego Bay. The concerts there will end up being “all nighters” and will feature a wide array of artistes such as dancehall favorites Spice, Ding Dong, and Aidonia as well as reggae icons like Capleton and Fatan Mojah among many others. Artistes like Ding Dong with his Ravers Clavers dance crew will be sure to have the crowd moving with his dances “Lebeh Lebeh”, “Fling” and much more. So, when you see the crowd moving in unison like a wave, don’t wonder what’s going on, just do as you see! Equally promising to trill the crowd is

reggae legend Damion “Junior Gong” Marley, this year’s Grammy awardee for best reggae album. When he steps on stage I’m sure patrons will be both entertained and enraptured by his true-to-life lyrics. Then, of course there will be something for lovers; the veteran Beres Hammond. By the time Beres is finish crooning his love songs, one can expect that the crowd will be reciting one of his refrain, “Pull up the vibes that you’re playing! Can you play some more?” This is only just a few of the artistes that is on the line up. I am convinced that this event will be worth every dollar and moment spent and there will be something for everyone in the crowd

The greatest thing I love about Reggae Sumfest is the community spirit and support that upcoming artistes experience. Often times it is during this event that many new artistes get a chance to grace the hallowed stages and get their “buss” or big break. For example, it was through this event that dancehall artiste Tommy Lee was introduced on stage to give a sample of his music. I love this because it contradicts what people always say about the Jamaican music business, that artistes are nothing but crabs in a barrel and have no desire to see other artistes become famous. Through this ‘rite of passage’ veteran artistes show they share not only the stage but a chance at fame and giving patrons a good experience.

There’s going to be great things happening again this year at Reggae Sumfest. Good vibes, music, food and fun non-stop; that is what to expect from this great fixture in Jamaican culture!

Keep peace, love, and laughter in you’ heart and walk good.

 

*Note that the opinions expressed here are those of the blogger and not those of management.

Sources:

History of Reggae Sumfest – reggaesumfestjamaica.com

reggaesumfest.com

Reggae Sumfest 2018 launches in New York – loopjamaica.com

Reggae Sumfest – true Jamaican entertainment – thecaribbeancurrent.com