Mel Cooke, Freelance Writer
Summerfest Productions' Robert Russell (left) speaks with Red Stripe's managing director Mark McKenzie at Wednesday evening's launch of Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest 2006, held at the Liguanea Club, New Kingston. - PHOTOS BY WINSTON SILL/FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
THERE WAS a burst of applause when the last of several glossy, coloured banners was unrolled at the Liguanea Club, New Kingston, on Wednesday evening. It was a picture of rapper 50 Cent, his larger than life face keeping company with Rihana, Damian 'Jr. Gong' Marley, Capleton, Sizzla, Buju Banton, Lloyd Banks, Bounty Killer and Beenie Man.
They and many others, including Beres Hammond, Yellowman, Olivia, Mobb Deep, Spice, Gentleman, Busy Signal, Macka Diamond, Chuck Fender, Pam Hall and Lady Saw, will be in Montego Bay, St. James, in the flesh between July 16 and 22 for what Johnny Gourzong of Summerfest Productions called "certainly the number one reggae festival in Jamaica and the world."
Gourzong said that for the 14th staging of Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest "we plan to present the greatest reggae festival ever, no ifs, no buts, no maybes."
A beach party and street dance precede the start of the live action on Wednesday, July 19, with 'Top Ranking' at Pier 1. The first night at the Catherine Hall main venue is Thursday's 'Dancehall Night', a pair of International Nights rounding out the festival on Friday and Saturday.
Hero performs at the launch of Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest 2006, held at the Liguanea Club, New Kingston, on Wednesday evening.- PHOTOS BY WINSTON SILL/FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
Gourzong also said that a Lifetime Achievement Award will be made to John Holt.
"When you are announcing the world's greatest reggae festival you have to expect a little blessing from heaven," joked Robert Russell, as a light shower forced those present to come closer together under a large tent in front of the stage.
The tent was the only odd item as there was a mini replica of the Sumfest venue at the Liguanea Club, complete with stage and booths to the sides. Spice, Lady Saw, Tarrus Riley and Hero also gave an indication of what the festival will be like with brief performances.
Senator Kern Spencer, representing Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller, said that "Reggae Sumfest has contributed to the Jamaican economy ... The Government supports wholeheartedly what Reggae Sumfest is doing."
Mark McKenzie. Red Stripe's managing director, said that the festival "is not an event just for MoBay but it benefits the entire country". He spoke of Red Stripe's over $400 million input since the start of Reggae Sumfest and said "I think this speaks volumes to our support of reggae and the associated industries".
