MONTEGO BAY, St James — Reggae Sumfest producer Cordel “Skatta” Burrell’s declaration that the music festival will be permanently domiciled in the tourism resort city of Montego Bay has been welcomed by Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett.

Speaking at Thursday night’s launch of the 2024 edition of the festival at Iberostar Hotel in St James, Burrell expressed that each year the festival has become more “popular and significant” and this year is set to be its “best year ever”.

“We look forward to the festival’s continued growth and the deepening of our relationship with this wonderful community. Whenever the idea of moving the festival comes up, our response is always a resounding ‘No!’

“Montego Bay is, and always will be, the home of Reggae Sumfest,” Burrell declared.

He added: “Montego Bay has been the heart and soul of Reggae Sumfest for over three decades. During this time, an unbreakable bond has formed between the festival and the city.”

However, the tourism minister, for his part, argued that the festival must branch out from its St James home.

“I heard it said that Reggae Sumfest will be in Montego Bay forever and, of course. But from Montego Bay it must radiate across the world, because it’s too big to stay in one place. And Montego Bay, growing as fast as it is, will be big enough to hold it. But it will be only able to contain it for a while as it spreads into the rest of the world, because reggae is now a world sound. Every part of the world that you go you hear reggae. As you hear reggae you hear Jamaica, and as you hear Jamaica you immediately think of Reggae Sumfest, because it is the location on planet Earth where you only can get truly authentic reggae music,” Bartlett stated.

“I got a note from the Middle East, straight from Saudi Arabia, with a band that’s ready to come to Reggae Sumfest playing Bob Marley. And Joe (Bogdanovich) sent back to me and said, ‘Yes, I’m ready, but this year is not the year.’ And we have a plan for that because this Downsound Entertainment can’t just stay in Jamaica,” Bartlett shared.

Reggae Sumfest is slated to run from July 14 to 20 in Montego Bay, St James.

Montego Bay’s mayor, Councillor Richard Vernon, hailed the promoters of the show.

“Amidst the hurdles, Summerfest Productions Limited and Downsound Entertainment have been the driving force behind the evolution of Reggae Sumfest. Their unwavering resilience and dedication, particularly in the face of the pandemic, command our utmost respect and gratitude,” Vernon said.

The festival boasts a stellar line-up of performers, among them YG Marley; R&B crooner Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, Beres Hammond, Capleton, Anthony B, D’Yani, Ras I, Turbulence, Nigy Boy, Munga Honourable, Norris Man, Anthony B, Teejay, Aidonia, Capleton, 450, Luciano, Kraff, Valiant, Ras-I, Sevana, and others set to grace the Catherine Hall stage on July 19 and 20.

The week-long event will not only feature the two stage show nights but also host a street dance, a community fun day, the Global Sound Clash, Blitz (an all-black event), and an all-white event.

Ras I and D’ Yani gave a taste of what is to come as they entertainment attendees to Thursday night’s launch with media personalities, sponsors, fans, government officials, reggae aficionados including Maxi Priest and Robert “Duxie” Russell dotting the crowd.

Joe Bogdanovich, CEO, Downsound Entertainment and executive producer of Reggae Sumfest, hailed those who have supported the festival over the past three decades.

“Reggae Sumfest 2024 is not just a festival; it’s a celebration of life, love, and music. It’s a reminder of the power of reggae to heal, to unite, and to inspire change,” Bogdanovich said.

“So, as we kick off this journey, let’s remember the spirit of reggae that binds us all. Let’s celebrate our culture, our music, and our unity. Together, we will make Reggae Sumfest 2024 the best one yet,” he added.

Christopher Burke, media relations officer, Jamaica Tourist Board, shares lens time with his colleague Paige Gordon, advisor to the minister of tourism.