The highly anticipated event will be the grand finale for what is billed as 'the World's greatest and Jamaica's best reggae show' starting this Sunday, July 16, with Vibes Island.

Buju Banton

Influenced early in his life by Sam Cooke, Alton Ellis and Peter Tosh, Beres Hammond got his break in the music business in 1972 as a teenager when he won a local talent contest. From there, he completely dominated reggae charts with song after song, including hits like Wanderer, and One Step Ahead, which stayed at number one on the charts for over 14 weeks. In the 1980s, he recorded several albums and formed his own record label, Harmony House. His song What One Dance Can Do made a name for Hammond in the dancehall market. In 1990, after a brief sabbatical, Beres recorded the single, Tempted to Touch, which became an enormous international hit. Subsequently, he released another album Love Affair, and from then on there was no stopping the man whose name has become synonymous with reggae music.

The prolific singer, songwriter and producer is by far one of the most consistent reggae artistes around and is sure to give the best of his sweet soulful music at Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest.

Another great in his own right, Buju Banton made his stamp on the local music industry throughout the 1990s. Undoubtedly, Buju is one of the most popular dancehall entertainers in Jamaican history, having hit the charts suddenly in 1992 with a string of hits, including Bogle, Love Mi Browning and Love Black Woman, all three of which were massive hits in Jamaica. Soon afterwards, Banton released his most controversial song to date, Boom Bye Bye.

Buju's debut album, Mr Mention, followed in 1992, breaking all sales records on the island and earning the young artiste more number one singles than any other reggae artiste including Bob Marley. At just 21 years old, Buju's 1993 album Voice Of Jamaica, featuring tracks such as Operation Ardent, Deportee and Willy Don't Be Silly, was lauded for the unprecedented social commentary it brought to the dancehall. Buju Banton also established himself as the first dancehall deejay to sell-out New York City's 5600-seat Paramount Theatre.

It is with bated breath that Jamaicans, and indeed overseas visitors, await what has been touted to be the most amazing line-up of artistes for a one-night show in Jamaica. This night will also feature Missy Elliott, Rihanna, Damian Marley and Gentleman. Certainly Buju Banton and Beres Hammond are expected to effortlessly steal the hearts of fans on Saturday night when they shine the spotlight on reggae and dancehall music.