Jah Cure to headline MoBay’s Jerk & Food Fest

With an adjustment to its name and a solid entertainment line-up spearheaded by top-flight recording star Jah Cure, the 2019 Montego Bay Jerk and Food Festival, formerly the Montego Bay Jerk Festival, is poised to sizzle on August 1. It will be celebration of its 10th anniversary at the Catherine Hall Entertainment Centre.

Speaking at the festival’s official launch in Montego Bay last Thursday, Joleine Longman, the public relations coordinator for the event, is promising patrons an epicurean journey steeped in creativity and innovation in food and music.

“The festival has seen tremendous growth over the past years with the implementation of new activities, (and) the development of the Montego Bay Jerk Festival Foundation, where we give back to selected charities after each staging as well as during the Christmas and back to school season,” said Longman. “We see this as a necessary part of sharing our success with the community where we stage the festival.”

SHOWCASING MOBAY

Montego Bay’s mayor, Councillor Homer Davis, praised the organisers for creating an event that has gone a long way in showcasing an aspect of Montego Bay that is often overlooked.

“Ten years may be short, but during that time, this event has grown and has become a staple on not just the entertainment calendar, but as part of the culinary landscape, given new trends in the world of foods,” said Davis. “As a nation, Jamaica is fast becoming a champion in the fast developing food tourism sub-sector. This event is definitely part of that process.”

Winston Lawson, president of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry, commended the organisers, saying it is events like the festival “that will give us a high level of buoyancy.”

The launch was a colourful affair, with displays by the various sponsors. It was highlighted by vocal presentations by the Salt Spring Primary and Infant School, the presentation of scholarship to the top students from the school, the presentation of awards to long-serving partners Troupe & Company, John Swaby, Roy Gayle, and Daniel Turner.

The launch concluded with an exciting performance by new dancehall sensation Shane E, who will perform at both Reggae Sumfest and the food festival.

Others on the food festival line-up will include Jada Kingdom, Beez Hive, gospel artistes Jabez and Joan Flemmings; and comedians Ity and Fancy Cat.