‘A Taste of Reggae Sumfest’ for virtual extravaganza

With the COVID-19 pandemic preventing artistes and musicians from performing and connecting with their fans live worldwide, Reggae Sumfest has stepped in to bridge the gap and bring Jamaican artistes and their global fans back together. Downsound Entertainment (DSE), producers of Reggae Sumfest, has joined with the Jamaican music community, social media giant Facebook, the Jamaica Tourist Board, and other sponsors to bring to the world A Taste of Reggae Sumfest on Friday and Saturday, July 24 and 25 .

The line-up on Friday and Saturday include Tarrus Riley, Koffee, Gyptian, Freddie McGregor, Maxi Priest, TeeJay, Shenseea, Ding Dong, Sizzla, Chakademus & Pliers, Agent Sasco, Ishawna, Chronic Law, and Daddy1, plus special guest stars. Maxi Priest expressed the sentiments of many in the global and Jamaican reggae and dancehall community when he shared his excitement and pride at being a part of this important virtual, cultural outreach as he announced, “I am excited and happy to be a part of this virtual Sumfest experience.”

“As always with Reggae Sumfest festivals and streams, the highest levels of production, staging, and streaming will be employed. In addition, the highest levels of COVID-19 safety protocols are observed and utilised for this production, ensuring the safest environment possible for artistes and production personnel,” said DSE chairman and CEO and Sumfest boss, Joe Bogdanovich.

Rigorous planning

He added that the planning for this event has been “rigorous and meticulous”, with the team working tirelessly for the past month to ensure professionalism in every aspect of the show.

The virtual production will be streamed on the Facebook: @Musicians aka Music On Facebook in partnership with Facebook, as well as on Reggae Sumfest’s Facebook, Instagram and YouTube pages.

“We are encouraging all fans and partners to tune in to this event via any of these social-medial platforms to help us connect Jamaica and the world if even for only two nights. We are excited and thankful to be able to present ‘A Taste of Reggae Sumfest’ in a period of reflective isolation that has gripped the world,” Bogdanovich, executive producer of the virtual extravaganza, stated.

Bogdanovich and the entire Downsound team had high praises for the sponsors, who in short order rallied to the call, recognising the importance of keeping reggae music in the forefront of international culture and entertainment.

“Expect the best because Sumfest does not do less,” Bogdanovich said.