Reggae Sumfest – More than JUST a Stage Show

Talitha Morrison

Developed in just under 14 weeks, the promoters at Summerfest Productions altered the perception of what it truly meant to receive value for one’s money. Helping to pioneer Reggae music to the forefront, these ambitious directors created the well-established and ingenious week long affair that is Reggae Sumfest. Since its inception in 1993, the festival held annually at the Catherine Hall’s Entertainment Centre in Montego Bay, Jamaica, hosts an over 20,000 fans each year. Reggae Sumfest’s considerable impact on Jamaica’s tourism results from the high numbers of patrons of international residency, who travel specifically to Montego Bay for the event.

Each year the festival manages to continuously outdo itself by showcasing the best-of-the-best in music. For sixteen (16) years the Catherine’s Hall venue has staged phenomenal performances from reggae legends such as The Mighty Diamonds, Beres Hammond, Dennis Brown and Tony Rebel. Dancehall greats including Beenie Man, Shabba, Lady Saw, Buju Banton; while at the same time dabbling into the international scene with such acts as Mary J Blige, Destiny’s Child, Lil Wayne, Kanye West, Toni Braxton, amongst numerous others. For some entertainers, Reggae Sumfest highlights the initiation of their musical career and for many others its stage has become a comfort zone; acting as a means for release. It’s no wonder there has been no contention for the title of “Greatest Reggae Show on Earth” and now celebrating its 17^th year, the promoters at Summerfest who have previously received the “Best Concert of the Year” and “Best Promoter” awards from the International Reggae & World Music Awards (IRWMA), can stand proud of its accomplishments.

Part of Sumfest’s success stems from the promoters’ ability to attract and maintain a number of significant business organisations as sponsors. Over the years many different companies have aided in the development of the internationally acclaimed event. Red Stripe, Digicel, Oceanspray, The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), CVM, The Jamaica Observer and Air Jamaica are just a few of the corporations that have supported Reggae Sumfest over the years.

The level of accomplishment honed by Sumfest can also be attributed from the hundreds of media representatives that cover the festival annually. In 2009 over four hundred (400) press personnel from both local and international media houses were accredited for coverage, helping once again to boost the awareness of the event.

With the contribution that Reggae Sumfest has made on musical culture, it is difficult to view it as “just” a stage show. The atmosphere not only facilitates for friendly interaction between patrons, it establishes them. It allows connectivity between fans and their favourite musical performers, while introducing them to new ones. The innovatively designed venue displays endless talent in food, art and of course music, which ultimately reflects the true definition of what it means to be Jamaican.

Reggae Sumfest 2010 will take place July 18 to 24. For more information on this year’s event visit the official website at www.reggaesumfest.com