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June 13, 2008
Reggae Sumfest enjoys Jamaican launch
Photography By: Milton Raynor
YardFlex went to Reggae Sumfest launch on Wednesday at the Hilton, Kingston and yes we have to big up the fact that they don't have a title sponsor and they are still going through. But the thing that got our attention is the fact that although Red Stripe is no longer the title sponsor they (Red Stripe) give Sumfest some money to be the exclusive liquor in the house selling. Now we don't understand what's happening, didn't we hear some artistes hitting out that they will be boycotting this beer? So Sumfest now give them the right to take their back a beer to enjoy the sweet sales down there. Guess that was nine day wonder thing then?
Sumfest launch really seem to hit a spot. One of the members in the audience at the launch asked Robert Russell from Summerfest if the festival will be adhering to the 2 am lock off time that other shows are being pressured to adhere to. And guess what...no such thing for Sumfest, the man proudly stated that the show will be going on till the sun comes up. Yes, it's sponsored by the Jamaica Tourist Board and they applied for a "special dispensation" levy, and don't forget that a lot of tourist coming with US dollars to spend. Plus they say they don't want the people leaving the venue in the wee hours of the morning to be hurt.
Hmmn...that's all we will say on this.
On to more exciting news from the launch, the festival will be streamed live on the internet for the first time so reggae fans all over the world can log unto Reggae Sumfest website, pay their money and enjoy the show from the comfort of their home.
Among the artistes that will be gracing the Sumfest 2008 stage will be Chris Brown, Bonafide a band out of the States, John Holt, Coco Tea, Tarrus Riley, Elephant Man, Etana, Beenie Man, Busy Signal, Mavado, Vybz Kartel and a whole host of others.
Tickets for the Festival have already started selling online and according to a representative from Island Stubs they have so far sold over Ja$500,000 worth of tickets.
