Shella Topstar ready for Sumfest debut
MONTEGO BAY, St James – Fast-rising entertainer Shella Topstar is champing at the bit to make his debut appearance on Reggae Sumfest next month.
The event, which has not been staged physically since 2019, due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, returns to the resort city of Montego Bay July 18-23.
Shella Topstar will be strutting his stuff on Dancehall Night, Friday, July 22.
“I am well-prepared for Sumfest.The patrons can expect a high-energy performance from Shella Top Star,” the artiste, whose given name is Ottoreece Melhado, told the Jamaica Observer West.
“It is an overwhelming feeling. I feel honoured to be a part of Reggae Sumfest this year to showcase my talent. It will allow me to tap into different audiences than those I used to. The festival will allow me to spread my music to an international audience.”
He is expecting his appearance on Sumfest to further propel his career, noting that already he is getting offers for tours.
“After Sumfest I am looking forward to doing some shows abroad and market the music on a broader spectrum. I don’t want to discuss the details now because planning is in the negotiation phase, but it is a good look after Sumfest,” he said.
The Spalding, Clarendon native, who is managed by Dr Locksley Stephenson and Courtney Laing of the western Jamaica- based Axim Record, describes his music as a fusion of reggae, hardcore dancehall with the new style commonly referred to as trap.
He revealed that his passion for music started from his boyhood days while he was attending Spalding High School, adding that he used to freestyle on the instrumental side of music he selected on his grandmother’s juke box.
“From mi little and a grow up mi always have that passion because my grandmother always have a juke box and I usually flip it to the instrumental side and freestyle as a youth, but me never take it serious until later down,” he stated.
Shella Topstar, who started recording about seven years ago, and whose role models include Buju Banton, Sizzla Kalonji, Damion Marley and Vybz Kartel, is enjoying success with songs such as Kerocene, Daily and Special.
“So far Daily and Special getting a lot of traction in the streets, but in terms of YouTube, Kerocene is leading in terms of views,” he said.
This year’s staging of the festival kicks off with the Sumfest Street Dance on Monday, July 18, followed by Sumfest All White on July 19, Sumfest Blitz on July 20, and the Sumfest Global Sound Clash on July 21.
The Catherine Hall Entertainment Centre is set to come alive with the live stage performance of nights one and two of the festival on July 22 and 23, respectively.