Sumfest Street Dance to ‘bring community together’

Cordel 'Skatta' Burrell says that event's like tonight's Reggae Sumfest Street Dance will help set the tone for the major of the week of activities "by bringing the entire community together".

"It's 100 per cent free upon entry, with both up-and-coming and established artistes giving just a taste of performances, along with great selections from the best DJs. Street Dance always sends a clear message that it's showtime and with the tremendous support it has garnered from its first inception, we are proud to give this to patrons," he said. The week-long series of events that encompass Reggae Sumfest 2024 began yesterday with the family funday. Wednesday will see the Global Sound Clash, which will feature South Sudan's Dynamq Sound trying to repeat as champion following its 2023 win.

"As we know, the sound system culture plays a vital role in this reggae/dancehall culture, and the Global Sound Clash is our way of highlighting this very unique entertaining concept, that has fuelled the industry by providing huge earnings for artistes via dubplates," he said. Burrell added that he was anticipating the specials that the defending champ will bring.

"The 'throw words' within the lyrics and back-and-forth tracing, it's awesome entertainment that will have us firing blanks," he said. Following the passage of Hurricane Beryl, which did considerable damage in some areas of southern Jamaica, Burrell noted that the three venues in Montego Bay at which events will be staged suffered only minimal damage.

"We managed to hit the ground the very next day with equipment and workforce to pick up the pieces. We are ready and remain prepared for the unexpected," he said, acknowledging that post-Beryl, Montego Bay and the entire St James was still doing it's very best to get back to some sense of normality.

"We acknowledge that it must be harder for some; however, the people continue to persevere, and based on the interactions, they are anticipating this year's staging of the festival, not only for the entertainment value, but also the many jobs and opportunities it provides," he said.

Tomorrow, Reggae Sumfest hosts its All White Party. Sumfest Rumfest Blitz, an amalgamation of the Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum Festival and Sumfest's Blitz event, takes place on Thursday. The events culminate with Festival Nights One and Two at the Catherine Hall Entertainment Complex on Friday and Saturday, respectively. Among the headliners for Night One are Valiant, 450, Jada Kingdom and Aidonia, while acts scheduled for Night Two include Beres Hammond, Babyface and Nigy Boy.