Entertainment

Reggae Sumfest 2008 Delivers!!

By: Brittany Somerset

MONTEGO BAY – The coveted four day festival kicked off with a bang at the annual beach party on Sunday July 13; Patrons from various parishes plus visitors from around the globe came out in their numbers to support up and coming talents such as Rising Star’s very own Nickesha Barnes and Romaine Virgo.

Friday July 17 would see the likes of what seemed to be an all white themed Dancehall Night. As expected, the first show night did not disappoint as thousands flocked to the Catherine’s Hall venue. Patrons witnessed an array of brilliant performances from such acts as Macka Diamond, Serani, Anthony B, Elephant Man, Busy Signal, Vybz Kartel, Assassin, Ninja Man and Bounty Killer.

However, it was the Gully God himself Mavado whose performance was an exceptional hit with the Montego Bay crowd. With his inimitable voice and lyrics, Mavado managed to leave fans wanting more even after delivering an incomparable act. When it came time for the self proclaimed “King of The Dancehall” to hit the stage, there were no scattered bodies at daybreak; Beenie Man ensured that Sumfest patrons received their money’s worth and delivered a mind blowing closing act.


Sumfest crowd thrilled by the many excellent performances
(Photo by: Brittany Somerset)

Subsequent to the mega success of Dancehall Night, both International Nights one and two lived up to the expectations of the fans. On Friday July 18, the line-up dabbled into a collection of different musical genres, where performances by the soulful Keyshia Cole and the very entertaining Hip-Hop artiste Akon are still major acts discussed today.

Despite the expectancy of postponement due to bad weather, the show remained as scheduled for Saturday night but experienced a slight delay until 10:00pm. Nevertheless, this did not deter the show hungry fans who emerged with their umbrellas in hand to support the festival. Reggae Sumfest directors guaranteed that the event would keep on schedule at the new times, and they made every effort to do so, including reducing the time between band changes.

It was approximately 3:00 am when the stage lights brightened and the LCD screen illustrated the words Beres on them, when each lady was no longer interested in her high heels and umbrella, but more focused on the legend in front of her.

Beres Hammond’s performance was one of the most thrilling acts to grace the Reggae Sumfest stage this year. However, when the multi-platinum co-headlining rapper presented himself on stage, the younger generation of Sumfest patrons were heard. Lil Wayne brought a different vibe to the crowd and maintained their interests throughout his entire performance. His attempt to include Jamaican culture into his act was honourable and entertaining. It is with the incorporation of international acts such as Lil Wayne, which signify how Reggae Sumfest has become much more than just a reggae show.


Local and international media gather at the Press Conference at Coral Cliff on July 18
(Photo by: JR Thompson)

This year over three hundred media personnel, both local and international, were accredited to cover the festival. This comprised of media houses from all over the globe including big names such as MTV Base, BET J, Billboard Magazine, BBC Radio 1, MNET/Channel O, JAMROCK Magazine and many more; an indication of how vital the show has become as a means of transmitting Jamaican culture to the rest of the world. Through the active reporting by these media the festival has become a direct outlet for propelling Jamaica’s finest in music, food and creativity all over the world.

The press conference held at the Coral Cliff on Friday July 18 preceding the show night allowed press to interact directly with the organizers, sponsors, artistes, and each other, demonstrating another of the promoter’s efforts to engage the media, and thus broadcast globally, detailed commentary on the progress of the festival.

Summerfest Productions has pulled off yet another well organised, well attended and secured Reggae Sumfest. The event was clearly another big success ensuring the best-of-the-best in entertainment; confirming its status as the “Greatest Reggae Show on Earth.”

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