Reggae Sumfest in the black
DESPITE operating in a struggling economy for most of its 20 years, promoters of Reggae Sumfest say the annual event consistently returns a profit.
Johnny Gourzong of Summerfest Productions, organisers of the show, told the Jamaica Observer last week that strong attendances over the last decade have earned them money on their investment.
“We are not losing money, we are definitely keeping our head above water,” said Gourzong. “We turned the corner some years ago and hopefully we’ll continue to be in the black.”
Gourzong did not give figures, but credits the strong performance of International and Dancehall nights for Sumfest’s financial viability. Both showcase high-profile pop and local acts which attract hordes of young fans.
Since 1998, Summerfest Productions have courted top artistes like Boyz II Men, Joe, Wyclef Jean, Destiny’s Child, Usher, Chris Brown and R Kelly. Each drew outstanding crowds to the banner International Night.
A fragile economy and weak Jamaican currency have made it tough for even high-profile events to survive. In 2010, the economic crunch forced promoters of the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival and Calabash International Literary Festival to seek financial assistance from government.
Gourzong says Summerfest Productions have considered alternative ways to earn revenue, including licensing Sumfest footage to leading North American cable channels. However, discussions with those companies fell flat.
“There have been a number of talks with companies whose names I won’t disclose, but to tell the truth they don’t pay a lot of money,” he said. “We also have to be careful the product does not get into the wrong hands.”
Reggae Sumfest was first held in 1993 at Catherine Hall in Montego Bay. It replaced Reggae Sunsplash as the tourist city’s lone major music festival until the emergence of the Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival three years later.
This year, the US$2 million festival takes place from July 21-27, with its main events again at Catherine Hall. The beach party, its traditional pipe-opener, will be held at Aquasol Beach Park in Montego Bay.
