As anticipation builds for ‘A Taste of Sumfest’ at Plantation Cove in St Ann on July 18, event director Cordel “Skatta” Burrell says that the clash model of the event was inspired by Sting, and reiterated that this is not meant to undermine nor compete with the well-known Boxing Day stage show.

“Gully” and “Gaza” fans from all over the world will get to see dancehall artistes Mavado and Vybz Kartel on one stage for the first time since 2008.

Pavel Smith (left), marketing manager, J Wray & Nephew Limited, with Josef Bogdanovich, head of DownSound Entertainment. Naphtali Junior

“Without Sting, we wouldn’t even be dreaming about this, because Sting left an indelible mark on the fans on both artistes’ careers. Both artistes left that venue as winners; up to today there’s debate about who won. I was so fortunate to be there and so many other people. After so many years, to live it once is not enough! We need a part two, and this is what we’re having now. So, whether it was influenced by Sting, it has to be influenced by something, and what other brand worthy of influencing Reggae Sumfest than a Sting,” Burrell told the
Jamaica Observer at the event launch held on Thursday at Janga’s Soundbar & Grill in New Kingston.

The one-night spectacle will feature Ayetian, Jamal, Queen Ifrica, Marcy Chin, and others.

Joe Bogdanovich, CEO of DownSound Entertainment Naphtali Junior

The legendary 2008 Sting clash between Vybz Kartel and Mavado ended abruptly without a declared winner. Both artistes left the stage amid intense lyrical sparring and mounting physical tension, sparking a heated, decades-long debate among fans over who actually won the showdown.

From left: ACP Gary McKenzie, Josef Bogdanovich, and Amoye Philpotts-Brown, brand manager at Red Stripe, share a moment after the launch event. Naphtali Junior

For 32 years patrons travelled to St James for a week of parties, which culminated with Festival Night one and two at Catherine Hall. However, following on the devastation of Hurricane Melissa to the parish in October 2025, organisers were forced to get a temporary venue.

“There’s a lot of noise because of the move of Sumfest out of Montego Bay this year, but we don’t listen to the noise, because Montego Bay needs attention. Montego Bay is the epicentre of entertainment. So, with what happened with [Hurricane] Melissa, it’s not back to business; it needs to be rebuilt bigger and better, and we have to step away and allow the different factions to step in and do what they have to do. However, as Joe [Bogdanovich] stated, after this year’s Reggae Sumfest a major contribution will be inserted into the city of Montego Bay,” he said.

Skatta Burrell and DJ Gabby (Gabrielle Davis) at the Sumfest launch. Naphtali Junior

Meanwhile, Burrell was tight-lipped about the investment figure for both headliners on one stage, insisting that the emphasis is on the entertainment itself for the patrons.

“I was distracted quite a lot with Freedom Street, because I was there in the negotiation, and when you’re trying to get creative, you have to stay away from that. Once this deal was done, we used our creative minds to decide what kind of energy we’re bringing to the show, what we’re going for the fans, and let the accounting department and the lawyers deal with the economic side. I’m here to make sure Vybz reaches the venue and he will do a wonderful show, and so too Mavado. Mavado is very laid back and reclusive, but I’m telling you, his power is strong. His voice will shake any stadium,” he added.