The Greatest Show Reggae Sumfest put Sparks On Reggae Music,
A Sizzling Summer in Jamaica, By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger
Jammin’ Jamaica was the place to be from July 17th through July 23rd as the masters of Reggae assembled to entertain the fans and enthusiasts at Reggae Sumfest 2011 at Catherine Hall in Montego Bay. The Reggae Sumfest is the world’s premier Reggae festival which brings the hottest Reggae and dancehall artist from all over the world to the Reggae capital island of the world. This year marked the 19th anniversary with over 50 powerful acts full of excitement and energy.
For sure one of the most popular performers of the event was Nicki Minaj who attracted a young and vivacious crowd of followers as she brought down the house. Her costumes complimented her singing and she put on a great show.
With an explosive comeback, I-Octane ignited the crowd with his energetic performance. Fans held butane-fueled torches and there was a massive crackling bonfire right in the center of Catherine Hall as a tribute to the hot performer. 
Although R. Kelly was unable to take part in Sumfest, his replacement, Jamaican native Cocoa Tea, wowed the audience with his classic Reggae music and had them on their feet in a dancehall daze.
It wouldn’t be a show without The Energy God also known as Elephant Man who made sure his fans got what they came for. Other popular artists to hit the stage were Mya, Half Pint, Beenie Man, Jah Cure, Bounty Killer, Mavado, Tanya Stephens, Konshens, Assassin, Kip Rich only to name a few. 
Great legend, Bunny Wailer, took the stage for an unforgettable and superb performance that raised Reggae music to an all-time high. Although the crowd and the majority of the media seemed to dissipate, the die hards held their places and they were not disappointed. Bunny took Reggae to a whole new level. Joined by his daughter at one point, he did an excellent job with his rendition of Bob Marley tunes.
Another prodigy who is one of the Kings of Reggae is Beres Hammond, Beres a crowd favorite wowed the crowds with hits after hits , the reception he got from fans was exceptional. Beres known for his soulful voice and electric lover’s rock ballads was honored at the festival for 35 years of outstanding contributions to Jamaica’s music business.
Pure Fame Media / Forever Reggae TV was amongst the activity and interviewed Johnny Gourgong, Marcia Mc Donnough, I-Octane, Beenieman. Beres Hammond, Ministry of Tourism Honourable Edmund Barlett, Spice, Half Pint, Barbie & Cecile, Miss Jamaica-Yendi Phillips among others , interviews will be aired on our weekly TV show and posted on our websites www.purefamemedia.com, www.foreverreggae.com
www.youtube.com/foreverreggaetv.
Reggae Sumfest has been one of the most profitable events in Jamaica year after year bringing in close to $9 million in revenue for Montego Bay which equates to 6,000 visitors. Over 30,000 fans attended Sumfest this year in just a 3-night period, 50,000 viewers logged in to the ‘live stream’ and 3,000 people have pre-registered for the PPV on Demand Reggae Sumfest concert, available on August 5th.
Some of the corporations serving as sponsors this year were Digicel Telecommunications, The Jamaica Tourist Board, Montego Bay’s Secrets Resort, Pepsi Jamaica, Iberostar Hotel and Jamaica’s own Red Stripe Beer. Digicel sponsored Sumfest’s side stage for lesser-known artists giving them the opportunity to attract new followers and avid fans.
One of the most dedicated and instrumental people behind the huge success of the event were Sumfest’s Director of Marketing and Sponsorship, Marcia McDonough. Her tireless efforts were seen in each and every performance that took place in the venue.
A big thanks also goes out to Headline Media Management for their fantastic job at coordinating the media and the media tents and how coordinated and organized they made each and every day without any incidents.
And finally, credit goes to Johnny Gourgzong, Executive Director of Reggae Sumfest and the entire production crew, for a well planned, executed and successful event. By far one of the Best Sumfest.
Although Reggae Sumfest was ultimately one of the most successful weeks in Montego Bay, there were mixed reactions from the crowd and the less than perfect reception for all-time greats like Bunny Wailer begs the question, “Could Reggae be on the download or are some renditions of Reggae ready for a revival?” What do you think?
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