Sumfest teases with fraction of line-up

Veteran reggae singers Beres Hammond and Maxi Priest and dancehall artiste Sizzla Kalonji are already confirmed for this year's staging of Reggae Sumfest. The announcement was made via the festival's Instagram page yesterday.

Always a crowd favourite, Beres Hammond, who last performed on the show almost seven years ago, is expected to wow the audience with timeless hits like No Disrespect, Can't Stop a Man from Trying, Standing in my Way, and She Loves Me Now.

In 2011, the singer, who many know for his soulful voice and eclectic lovers' rock ballads, was honoured at the festival for his outstanding contribution to the Jamaican music industry.

Maxi Priest's performance is highly anticipated, and he is expected to deliver a spectacular performance with songs like Close to You, Just a Little Bit Longer, and Wild World.

For the past two years, the festival has featured only reggae and dancehall acts. This was a departure from the practice of previous years of including major international acts, predominantly from the R&B or hip hop genres, to boost the offerings. It is still uncertain if this year's staging will continue the trend.

Nonetheless, Sizzla Kalonji will give a fiery set on dancehall night. No stranger to the festival, Sizzla is known for numerous hits such as Dry Cry, Praise Ye Jah, and Woman I Need You.

The festival, which is spearheaded by Downsound Records, will take place from July 15 to 21 in Montego Bay, St James.