The launch of Reggae Sumfest happened at Iberostar Grand Resort Montego Bay on Wednesday May 31. The festival celebrates 30 years come July with a lineup up young and as well as veteran artists over the course of one week with the main events happening July 21 and 22.
The media launch, hosted by leading Jamaican reggae and media personality Debbie Bissoon saw the Mayor of Montego Bay, His Worship The Mayor Councillor Leroy Williams announcing that Montego Bay is “Reggae Sumfest City.” Several sponsors underscored their commitment to the three decade old tourist attraction including headline sponsor Caribbean Airlines.
This year’s headliners for night 1 dubbed the ‘Dancehall Night’ include Valiant, who will be making his Sumfest debut. The Dunce Check deejay got his break and released several streamable hits after becoming a viral sensation on TikTok last November. He has since remained on the Apple Music Jamaica top 20 chart since then with several tracks. Other artists on the lineup include Tommy Lee, last year’s top Jamaican YouTube artist Chronic Law, Gyptian, Jah Vinci, 450, Stalk Ashley and more. There will be a Scare Dem Crew tribute in memory of recently deceased member Boom Dandimite.
For night 2 dubbed the ‘Reggae Night’, Freddie Mcgegor is set to take the stage for the first time since recovering from a stroke along with his sons Stephen and Chino in a Big Ship Tribute. Minister Marion Hall, Tanya Stephens, Chaka Demus and Pliers, Admiral Bailey and a King Jammy tribute is set to take center stage.
The week long festivities include the Blitz All White party on Wednesday July 19 and The Global Sound Clash featuring Code Red, Bass Odessey, Jah Works, Dynamo and Magnum Clash winner on Thursday July 20.
Over the years Reggae Sumfest has brought some of the biggest overseas stars to the island including Destiny’s Child, Usher, Flo Rida, Chris Brown, Wiz Khalifah and a teenage Rihanna in 2006.
In it’s 30 year run the greatest reggae show on earth has also featured Garnett Silk, as well as unforgettable performances by Jamaican artist like Bounty Killer, Beenie Man, Buju Banton, Cham, Beres Hammond, Shabba Ranks, Cocoa Tea, Shaggy, Sean Paul and more.
The festival is the longest running reggae event in Jamaica with Rebel salute celebrating a similar milestone when it’s staged in January next year.
