MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica — Offering up the perfect blend of rum education and live music, the Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum Festival/Blitz, provided patrons with the opportunity to not only indulge in their favourite cocktails but to also immerse themselves in a truly unique entertainment package.

Despite the rain, the festival was a resounding success. Attendees braved the muddy terrain to visit various Appleton Estate booths, filling their branded cups with delightful blends. Promised an unforgettable festival with double the excitement, the day-to-night event culminated with one of Jamaica’s biggest musical icons delivering a stellar performance that resonated with the crowd, who huddled closer to the stage for videos and pictures.

Beenie Man’s performance at Rumfest Blitz was one for the history books. But before Moses Davis graced the stage to captivate his dedicated fans, several up-and-coming acts kept the crowd entertained through Wray and Nephew’s New Wave segment. Recording artistes Joby Jay, the Friday Night Cru, Iotosh, Royal Blu, and Amanyea showcased Jamaica’s musical legacy, warming the crowd for the night’s main act.

Veteran dancehall artiste Harry Toddler also delivered an engaging set, keeping the energy alive with his established tracks, including “Don’t Run In,” “Pure Gal,” “Dance the Angel,” and “Many Many,” a track from his days with the 90s outfit, Scare Dem Crew.

The highlight of the night was undoubtedly when Moses Davis, also known as Beenie Man, took the stage at approximately 11:30 PM. Immaculately attired in an all-white suit, the ‘doctor’ was greeted by ear-shattering screams from his adoring fans. Before delivering a single note, Beenie Man revealed that he would be venturing into new territory by performing with an orchestra band. Despite this, he thrilled the audience with a slew of selections from his expansive musical repertoire, accompanied by the Jamrock Orchestra from the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JaRIA).

The orchestra delivered new arrangements of classic Beenie Man hits, including “Who Am I,” “Romie,” “King of the Dancehall,” “Girls Dem Sugar,” and “Dancehall Queen.” Highlighting the Rumfest/Blitz festival as a “rum birthday,” Beenie Man thanked the organisers for their efforts. Singing the team’s praises for their execution, the entertainer expressed his eagerness to enjoy the main show nights as a patron. He then skillfully transitioned into his single “Drinking Rum and Redbull” before closing out his set. Walshy Fire and DJ Franco continued the night’s entertainment.

Speaking to the value events like Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum Festival/Blitz bring to Montego Bay, Minister of Tourism Ed Bartlett emphasised the event’s showcase of Jamaica’s best offerings. “To add Rumfest to Sumfest is to really create this absolute mix with food that makes it irresistible to not just visitors but locals alike. Events like these bring out the creativity of people and, happening just under two weeks after a major weather event, highlight the indomitable spirit and resilience of the Jamaican people,” Bartlett said.

Agreeing with the minister, Dominic Bell, communication manager at J Wray & Nephew Ltd, remarked, “When it comes to Appleton Estate, we see our brand as the embodiment of Jamaican excellence and resilience. Despite the unfortunate weather conditions, the show went on. People participated in the seminars, visited the rum booths, and eagerly awaited Beenie Man’s performance. Montego Bay, as Jamaica’s gateway to the world, has been good to us, and we can continue being great to them.”