REGGAE SUMFEST NAMED AMONG GLOBE’S TOP 10 FESTIVALS!

BY BALFORD HENRY
Senior staff reporter
balfordh@jamaicaobserver.com

Canadian-based online travel agency Flight Network has named Reggae Sumfest among the top 10, on a list of 36 Global Festivals to attend in 2017.

The world-renowned reggae festival, which ranked ninth on the list, will take place from July 16-22 in Montego Bay.

The list, which was compiled from events from around the world offering patrons the best of music, food and culture, includes events such as Erlanger Bergkirchweih in Germany, the Cork Harbor Festival in Ireland, and the Hinterland Music Festival in the United States.

Flight Network’s recommendation of Sumfest was based on three main categories: its notable following internationally; its offering of “unforgettable music”; and that the festival offers patrons “more opportunities to make history”.

Joe Bogdanovich

Commenting on Flight Network’s recognition of Sumfest, Joe Bogdanovich, CEO of Sumfest promoters Downsound Entertainment (DSE) says that while the value of Reggae Sumfest has been known to its fans for many years, he is pleased that a company such as Flight Network has acknowledged it and named it among their list of best festivals around the world to attend.

“The team has worked tirelessly to ensure that the 25th anniversary delivers an incredible experience for patrons and I believe that this honor is evidence that our hard work has paid off,” Bogdanovich said.

The 25th staging of Reggae Sumfest will feature heavy-hitting local and international entertainers for the two main concert nights.

Richie Stephens and the Ska Nation Band

Thousands of Reggae music fans will converge on the Jamaican tourist capital, Montego Bay, for the week-long festival dubbed the “Greatest Reggae Show on Earth”, to enjoy performances from the likes of Grammy Award Winners – Sean Paul, and Beenie Man and Billboard hitters, Sean Kingston, Jah Cure and Tory Lanez and other major local acts.

The week’s activities will include several events, including a new and improved Tropical Bliss beach party on Sunday, July 16, new entry boat ride on Monday, July 17, All-White Party on Tuesday, July 18, new entry Retro-style party on Wednesday, July 19th and new entry heavyweight sound clash featuring local and international DJs from Jamaica, Germany, Japan and New York on Friday, July 20th.

Sean Kingston

The week culminates with two nights of exciting entertainment.

The full line-up for Friday, July 21 includes Alkaline, Mavado, Bounty Killa, international sensation Tory Lanez, Dexta Daps, Spice, Tommy Lee Sparta, Masicka, the first international act out of Nigeria Patoranking, Devin Di Dakta, Tifa, Jahmiel, Harry Toddler with new dance sensation Rulas and Tuff-alie & Ikel Marvelous, Ding Dong, Shenseea, TJ, Iyara, K Queens, Singer J, Sanjay and Spotlight.

The line-up for night two — Saturday, July 22 — will feature Sean Paul, Sizzla, Beenie Man, Jah Cure, Queen Ifrica, Christopher Martin, Richie Stephens and another first from Italy — Ska Nation Band, Mad Cobra, Kabaka Pyramid, Sean Kingston, Rasi-I, Deep Jahi, Meleku, Davianiah and other special guest stars.