KINGSTON, Jamaica – Dancehall fans will have a huge bonanza on Wednesday July 19, when Summerfest Productions, promoters of Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest, stages “Top Ranking,” a show that will highlight some of the best years of dancehall music.
Many artists, who have not appeared on stage at the world’s greatest reggae show in years, have signed on to be a part of this celebration of dancehall.
Fans can look forward to performances from Peter Metro, General Trees, Courtney Melody, Frankie Paul, Admiral Bailey, Flourgan and Pinchers. The Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest promoters expect many more stars from the 1990’s to cross the stage at the “Top Ranking” event, which will be staged club style at Pier One on the Waterfront. The event is a part of Summerfest Productions’ strategy of connecting with market demands.
Courtney Melody
Jomo Cato, director of marketing for Summerfest Productions, is very excited about the latest show, citing the importance of incorporating a solid dancehall line up in the Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest package.
“The fans have asked for a night that really brings back the glory days of when the dancehall was full of vibes and this is the line up that will deliver this experience,” Mr. Cato said. “Peter Metro will grace the stage, the Cool ruler Gregory Isaacs Professor Nuts, Pam Hall, Admiral Bailey, General Trees and more. It will be quite entertaining. It was important for us to do a show that salute the architects of dancehall but delivers high energy entertainment.”
Peter Metro
Summerfest Productions also announced that it will present ‘The Reggae Sumfest Icon Award’ to a Jamaican entertainer at Top Ranking, who has truly nurtured the growth of dancehall in the world.
“The phenomenally talented persons who have shaped modern Jamaican music, have also helped to influence the sound of music across the entire planet,” added Mr. Cato. “Summerfest Productions will be honoring, one of these persons this year. We will be making this announcement in a few weeks and paying the well deserved tribute through the presentation of the Reggae Sumfest Icon Award.”
Maxine Whittingham, head of Communications at Red Stripe, the title sponsors for the event, said Red Stripe is enthused about the idea of incorporating deep-rooted dancehall music in the festival.
“Red Stripe believes in the power of reggae and dancehall music, which are both inherent elements of the event,” Mrs. Whittingham said. “We are particularly excited about ‘Top Ranking’ because it gives us an opportunity to salute the Jamaican giants of dancehall on that night.”
Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest will be staged in the ‘Vibes City’, Montego Bay from July 16-22, 2006.
