Reggae Sumfest 2008 alive without Red Stripe

07 May 2008 | by Contributed Article

"Reggae Sumfest 2008 is definitely on for July 13-19, and will once again set standards as the greatest reggae show on earth", announced Johnny Gourzong, executive director of the festival.

2008 will mark the 16th presentation of the festival and, by all accounts, it's shaping up to be another first-class event. As usual, the festival will kick off with the beach party at Tropical Beach on Sunday, July 13, featuring top sound systems. On Thursday, July 17, top dancehall performers will energize the full capacity crowd, while Friday and Saturday will continue the tradition of offering the finest reggae singers and bands, alongside top international stars.

Dicigel, Ocean Spray and Air Jamaica, the JTB and VP Records have once again signed on as major sponsors of the event while for the first time, Supreme Ventures has signed on as a Silver sponsor, Red Bull has come on board as a Gold sponsor and Jamrock Magazine as a Platinum sponsor. Negotiations are underway with several other companies who have expressed interest in supporting the event. Media support is once again very strong with CVM on board as the official TV station, Irie FM as the official radio, and the Jamaica Observer as Official newspaper. In addition FAME, HYPE TV, RE TV, TVJ, Linkz FM, ZIP FM, Vybz FM, Megajamz, Buzz Magazine, Jamaican Lifestyle and Whaddat.com, have added their support to the event.

After a seven-year stint as title sponsor, Red Stripe has taken the decision not to renew their title sponsorship for 2008. Organizers Summerfest Productions report that while Red Stripe's contribution was significant and they will miss working with the company on Sumfest it will in no way deter the festival. They believe in the importance of Reggae Sumfest as a national event that contributes in a large way to the overall economy and are determined to make Reggae Sumfest 2008 a big success with the help of their current sponsors.

The line-up for Reggae Sumfest this year promises to be excellent. While not all contracts have yet been signed, a peek at the wish list for the festival revealed that the local line up promises to be as strong as ever. A long list of artists are being targeted, including Beres Hammond, Beenie Man, Buju Banton, Sizzla, Bounty Killer, Elephant Man, Mavado, Busy Signal, Jah Cure, Richie Spice, Macka Diamond, Brick & Lace, Tami Chynn, Erup, Queen I-Frica, Etana, Tarrus Riley, Anthony B, Voicemail, Vybz Cartel, Demarco, Courtney John, and Harry Toddler. No clues were revealed for the international acts, however, it was hinted that negotiations were ongoing with some very 'big names'.

So while there have been some rumblings in the music concert arena, Reggae Sumfest 2008 promises to once again surpass the standards set in previous years.