Producers of the 2006 Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest are set to continue their 14-year tradition of providing an international stage for new and upcoming Jamaican artists to showcase their talents to the world.
This year, promoters have signed new exciting acts, Jovi Rockwell, Alaine, Cherine Anderson and Danielle, who are already creating a buzz in reggae music circles, to perform at the festival, between July 20- 22.
For Summerfest Production’s marketing director, Jomo Cato, celebrating young acts is important, especially given the musical trend today that has seen an explosion on the mainstream of some previously unknown but talented artists.
Cato points to the success of 18-year-old Barbadian- born sensation, Rihanna, who exploded onto the world scene after being virtually unknown two summers ago.
Sexy Danielle, an alumnus of St. Andrew High School for Girls, recently stirred interest with her combination with Beenie Man on ‘Brown Girl in the Ring.’ But she’s also captivated with the single ‘Rudey.’ On July 20th, the singer will perform on the same stage as top acts like Beenie and Bounti Killa.
danielle On July 21, as 50-Cent and his G-Unit get ready to rock fans, Jovi Rockwell will be introducing the Sumfest crowd to her incredible talent. Rockwell of the independent label, WIRE ONE Records, has been receiving great rotation on local TV stations in Jamaica for her “All About Love” single.
While on the final night, July 22, newcomers Alaine and Cherine Anderson, will help bring the curtains down on the show along with international musical stars, Damian ‘Jr. Gong’ Marley and Rihanna. Alaine is known for tunes like ‘No More Chaka Chaka,’ ‘ I’d Do Anything,’ and ‘No Ordinary Love.’ Anderson, who turned heads for her performances in both ‘Dancehall Queen’ and ‘One Love,’ is now creating a new fan base with her foray into music. The actress turned singer, has fans buzzing about her ‘dancehall soul’ vibe, as evidenced on “Good Love.”
There’s no doubt that all four young acts are going to take the baton passed by top Jamaican acts before them and give fans a treat at this year’s Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest.
By 1968, Holt set off on a solo career for producers Bunny Lee and Harry J. From here, there was no stopping Holt whose career catapulted him to stardom with hits like ‘Son Of The Wise’, ‘Ali Baba’, ‘A Love I Can Feel’, ‘Help Me Make It Through’, and ‘If I Were A Carpenter.’
The temperature is already rising even higher in MoBay as the countdown to the annual festival, dubbed the best ever, continues. Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest gets officially underway on Sunday, July 16th with the all new free Vibe Island Beach Party, featuring Jamaica’s hottest selectors and the “Reggae on the Runway’ fashion segment.
‘Mad Monday’s Mobay’ follows on Monday July 17th. Staged in partnership with the Hip Strip community, this event will feature an arts and craft street fair, cuisine sampling from hip strip restaurants and music from Jamaica’s biggest sound systems.
Sumfest continues on Wednesday, July 19, with the staging of the “Top Ranking” show that will highlight some of the best years of dancehall music, with dancehall’s Yellow Man set to receive a lifetime achievement awards along with and reggae’s John Holt. Holt will perform at Ignition on July 21. ‘Stormfront – the explosive dancehall night,’ featuring the likes of Beenie Man and Bounti Killa, follows on Thursday night, July 20 while the ‘Ignition’ concert with 50 Cent among others, is set for Friday July 21.
Sumfest 2006 will climax with ‘The Summit’ on July 22, with Jr. Gong and Rihanna among those helping to bring the curtains down on what is destined to be another incredible show.
Key sponsors this year include Red Stripe, the Jamaica Tourist Board, Air Jamaica, Digicel and Ocean Spray as well as media partners, the Jamaica Observer, CVM TV and Fame FM. For travel packages and more information, log on to www.reggaesumfest.com. Fans will be able to get tickets across the island and at the airport from July 3rd.
The 2006 line-up is follows:
Sunday July 16th – Vibes Island – Tropical Beach – featuring Kurt Riley, Coppershot, DJ Liquid, Pure Playazz and Pieces. Admission is US$9 (J$600).
Monday July 17th – Mad Monday Mobay – Old Hospital Ground – featuring Firelinks of Hot Monday, Swatch from Passa Passa, Pieces and Pure Playazz.
Wednesday July 19th – Top Ranking – Pier 1 – with John Holt, Gregory Isaacs, Yellowman, Admiral Bailey, General Trees, Pinchers, Frankie Paul, Charlie Chaplin, Josey Wales, Peter Metro, Courtney Melody, Flourgon and Pam Hall with Lloyd Parkes & The We The People Band. – – US$16-19 (J$1,000 Presold / $1,200 at Gate)
Thursday July 20th – Stormfront – The Explosive Dancehall Night – Main Venue – featuring: Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, Capleton, Elephant Man, Cham, Chuck Fenda, Macka Diamond, Wayne Marshall, Busy Signal, Leftside & Esco, Voice Mail, Spice, Gyptian, Fantan Mojah, Natural Black, Little Hero, Black-er, Conrad, Crystal & Suga Roy, Danielle, Aidonia, Hit List, X Factor, Merrtial Family and Fire Lion with Backing Band: Hard Drive – US$27 – 30 (J$1,800 Presold / $2,000 at Gate)
Friday July 21st – Ignition – Main Venue – With 50 Cent & G-Unit, featuring Lloyd Banks & Tony A-yo, Sizzla, Lady SawMase, Mr. Vegas, Richie Spice, Noddy Virtue, Andy Vernon, Aisha and Jovi Rockwell – US$43- 45 (J$2,800Presold / $3,000 at Gate)
Saturday July 22nd – The Summit – Main Venue – featuring Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley, Beres Hammond, Rihanna, Buju Banton, Gentleman, Tarrus Riley, Alaine and Cherine Anderson – US$43- 45 (J$2,800/presold/J$3,000 at Gate)
ABOUT SUMMERFEST PRODUCTIONS
Summerfest Productions Limited is a privately held company owned by a group of shareholders including Johnny Gourzong, its executive director; Geoffrey Dwyer, immediate past chairman and Robert Russell, current chair. The group has been staging Jamaica’s biggest music event Reggae Sumfest for the past 14 years.
Through its events, Summerfest productions provide a significant contribution to Jamaica’s music industry, the tourism business in western Jamaica and by extension, the economy of Jamaica.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
JAMAICA: Ayesha Creary – Creative Marketing: 876 382 3739; email: [email protected]
INTERNATIONAL: Felicia Persaud – Carib PR: 718 476 3616
[email protected]
