As Reggae Sumfest organisers get ready to execute the 32nd staging of an event dubbed the Greatest Reggae Show on Earth, it is expected to honour the legacy and vision of one of its co-founders, the late Robert Russell.

Known to close friends and associates as Ducksie, Russell died in Montego Bay on December 11, 2024. He was 76 years old.

Remembered as a pioneer and a true visionary, Russell’s memory was honoured at the official launch of Reggae Sumfest held at Iberostar Hotel and Resorts in Montego Bay on Wednesday.

“I wanna take a moment to honour the memory of a man whose vision helped birth this incredible journey,” said CEO of Downsound Entertainment, organizers of Reggae Sumfest, Josef Bogdanovich, as he urged attendees to turn their attention to the screen on which a video reflecting on Russell’s life and work was shown, following a brief moment of silence.

“Robert was more than a co-founder, he was a cultural visionary, a champion of Jamaican music, and a beloved figure whose legacy still guides us today,” Bogdanovich explained.

Russell was part of an eight-member team known as Summerfest Productions that staged the inaugural Reggae Sumfest in Montego Bay in 1993.

Summerfest Productions sold rights to Reggae Sumfest in 2016 to Bogdanovich but Russell maintained ties with the event as a consultant until his death.

Highlighting that his legacy will continue with this year’s staging, the Sumfest team said a world-class production is expected.

“We have put together a powerhouse line-up featuring international legend Toni Braxton and Jamaican icons such as current dancehall king Vybz Kartel, Masicka, Tarrus Riley, Protoje, Lila Ike, I-Wayne, Bugle, Tommy Lee Sparta, and Skeng, with a very special guest,” said Bogdanovich. “From July 13-19, Montego Bay will once again become the heartbeat of the Caribbean. Reggae Sumfest has never been just a stage show; it’s a movement, a celebration of our culture, our resilience and our people.”

Speaking of Russell’s contributions to Reggae Sumfest and Jamaica’s music industry as a whole, Sean Wallace, head of commerce at Red Stripe, said he’s sure this year’s staging will make Russell proud.

“He’s left his family here, his legacy at Pier One, and of course Reggae Sumfest, and I’m sure the showcase this year would make him proud,” he said. “I am amazed at the contributions of Russell, and I am just thankful we at Red Stripe were able to support one of his ventures, his visions.”

Music lovers globally are now officially in countdown mode as the festival’s start date draws closer. The week of events is set to get underway with the annual Family Fund and will see the staging of signature events such as Blitz, All-White, and the newly-added Global Fete.

The festival is then expected to culminate across two show nights with highly anticipated performances.