Jamaica Travel News

Jamaica Reports Successful Sumfest

As July comes to an end, Jamaica reports that the 15th Annual Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest, held earlier this month at the Catherine Hall Complex in Montego Bay, was a success.

The event featured American multi-platinum rapper LL Cool J, Queen of Hip Hop Soul Mary J. Blige, Shaggy, Beenie Man and Beres Hammond.

LL Cool J's hour-long set featured hits like Phenomenon, Radio, Number One (Love You Better), I Need Love among others. While declaring he was “King of Hip Hop”, LL Cool J paid tribute to the “King of Jamaica” - the reggae legend, Bob Marley - belting out Could You Be Loved and Jammin’.

The hip-hop soul queen, Mary J. Blige, performed an hour-long set included I’m Goin’ Down from 1994 studio album My Life and Take Me As I Am and Be Without You from her 2006 Best Selling Album The Breakthrough. She closed her set with No More Drama.

Earlier in the week (Thursday) thousands of guests attended Dancehall Night, dubbed Explosion, to see favorite acts including Beenie Man, Bounti Killer, Elephant Man, Lady Saw, Assassin, Vybz Kartel, Ninja Man, Anthony B, Cham and Chuck Fenda. This year's record attendance saw more than 15,000 patrons.

Jamaica’s Director of Tourism Basil Smith was pleased with the quality of this year’s event. “The Jamaica Tourist Board is delighted to once again be a partner in the staging of this remarkable event. An event such as Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest represents an important part of the culture of Brand Jamaica. Our rich music heritage transcends international barriers and is another part of the Jamaican experience we are proud to share with the world.”

During the week, most of Montego Bay’s hoteliers and villa operators reported full occupancy and with the dates a fixture on the music calendar patrons are encouraged to book in advance.

If you're already thinking ahead to next year, Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest is usually held at Catherine Hall in Montego Bay during the third week of July.

Labels: festivals, Montego Bay

posted by Paris & John @ 1:23 PM