Downsound Records founder and CEO Joseph Bogdanovich has never hidden his passion for dancehall/reggae and Jamaican culture.

In April, the American businessman announced his acquisition of Reggae Sumfest from Summerfest Productions.

He promised major changes to the summer festival’s brand over the next two years.

“In order to make this industry thrive, it’s critical that the home of reggae music gets its house in order. The theme of unity through music is a key factor for success in the festival business. Artistes must understand and work together — as well as the sponsors and government agencies — to accept the fact that reggae/dancehall is a natural resource of the country and that it’s the responsibility of the country for it to be developed and protected,” Bogdanovich told the Jamaica Observer.

In January, he bought a 23.7 per cent share of Famous Nightclub in Portmore, St Catherine, making him the largest shareholder in that entity.

However, there was instability in some of his Downsound ‘investments’. In July, shortly before Reggae Sumfest, flamboyant deejay Ishawna left the label. Two months later, singer Nature, the company’s flagship artiste, announced his departure.

— Simone Morgan-Lindo