Reggae Sumfest, the highly anticipated four-day festival kicked off with a bang at the annual beach party on Sunday July 13. Patrons from various parishes plus overseas visitors came out in their numbers to support up-and-coming talents such as Rising Star's very own Nickesha Barnes and Romaine Virgo.

Friday July 17 would see the likes of what seemed to be an all-white themed Dancehall Night. As expected, thousands flocked to the Catherine Hall venue where they witnessed brilliant performances from Macka Diamond, Serani, Anthony B, Elephant Man, Busy Signal, Vybz Kartel, Assassin, Ninja Man, Bounty Killer and Mavado. With his inimitable voice and lyrics, Mavado managed to deliver an incomparable act. When it came time for the self proclaimed "King of The Dancehall" to hit the stage, there were no scattered bodies at daybreak. Beenie Man ensured that Sumfest patrons received their money's worth and delivered a great closing act.

Subsequent to the mega success of Dancehall Night, both International Nights one and two lived up to the expectations of the fans. On Friday July 18, the line-up dabbled into a collection of different musical genres. Despite the expectancy of postponement due to bad weather, the show remained as scheduled for Saturday night but experienced a slight delay until 10:00pm. Nevertheless, this did not deter the show-hungry fans who emerged with their umbrellas in hand to support the festival. Reggae Sumfest directors guaranteed that the event would keep on schedule at the new times, and they made every effort to do so, including reducing the time between band changes.

It was approximately 3:00 am when the stage lights brightened and the LCD screen illustrated the words Beres on them, when each lady was no longer interested in her high heels and umbrella, but more focused on the legend in front of her. Beres Hammond was one of the most thrilling acts to grace the Reggae Sumfest stage this year. However, when the multi-platinum co-headlining rapper presented himself on stage, the younger generation of Sumfest patrons were heard. Lil Wayne brought a different vibe to the crowd and maintained their interest throughout his entire performance. It is with the incorporation of international acts such as Lil Wayne, which signify how Reggae Sumfest has become much more than just a reggae show.

This year, over three hundred media personnel, both local and international, were accredited to cover the festival. This comprised media houses from all over the globe including big names such as MTV Base, BET J, Billboard Magazine, BBC Radio 1, MNET/Channel O, JAMROCK Magazine and many more; an indication of how vital the show has become as a means of transmitting Jamaican culture to the rest of the world. Through the active reporting by these networks, the festival has become a direct outlet for propelling Jamaica's finest in music, food and creativity all over the world.

The press conference held at the Coral Cliff on Friday July 18 preceding the show night allowed press to interact directly with the organisors, sponsors, artistes, and each other, demonstrating another of the promoter's efforts to engage the media, and thus broadcast globally, detailed commentary on the progress of the festival.

Summerfest Productions pulled off yet another well organised, well attended and secure Reggae Sumfest, confirming its status as the Greatest Reggae Show on Earth.

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