Reggae Sumfest to release line-up soon – Bogdanovich

Downsound Entertainment, the producer of Reggae Sumfest, is in an all-systems-go mode for the 2022 staging of the reggae festival which will be held in Montego Bay from July 20 to 23.

Josef Bogdanovich, the CEO of Downsound and executive producer of the event, told THE STAR that he is ready to roll.

"I will be dropping names soon," Bogdanovich said, when quizzed about the line-up. But he remained tight-lipped on any names other than Sizzla, who he confirmed as a performer at the live taping of the Reggae Month concert which featured the reggae artiste and a 35-piece orchestra two weeks ago. As usual, there will be early-bird tickets, which are expected to go on sale soon.

"All I can tell you about Sumfest today is to buy your tickets when they go on sale and get to the venue early for July 22 and 23. Both nights start at 9 p.m.," Bogdanovich added.

The Friday and the Saturday nights of Reggae Sumfest showcase live performances from the best reggae and dancehall artistes out of Jamaica.

The last live staging was in 2019, which saw performances from artistes like Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, Buju Banton, Koffee, Chronixx and Spice.

VIRTUAL EDITION

In 2020, with the COVID-19 pandemic full blown, Reggae Sumfest pivoted online with a virtual edition. It streamed simultaneously on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube with all new live performances and content. The organisers said it had "exceeded all expectations".

However, acknowledging that the costs were enormous, the team decided against a virtual event last year, and had suggested a date later in the year, instead of the annual July date. It never happened.

Bogdanovich last year pledged his commitment to hosting the festival in Jamaica, when several other name brand events headed for the US.

"People are calling from all over the world asking if we are keeping the festival in Jamaica. There is a lot of caution to open up entertainment enthusiastically, but America is open, lots of other countries are open. However, we are not running off to Florida like some people. It's our music, our festival, our roots," Bogdanovich said as he recited Reggae Sumfest's patriotic tag line.

Although the entertainment sector is not opened, the nightly curfew hours have been relaxed and now run from midnight to 5 a.m. On or before March 18, the prime minister is expected to make a new announcement.