Janet Silvera, Senior Gleaner Writer
Summerfest Productions chairman, Robert Russell (right), displays the proclamation from the State of New York that he received from Joan Flowers (centre), attorney-at-law, on behalf of Malcolm A. Smith, Democratic Senator, at the Reggae Sumfest press party at the Negril Village restaurant in New York. Sharing in the occasion is Yvonne Graham. - Photos by Janet Silvera
WESTERN BUREAU:
Multi-platinum rhythm and blues singer Chris Brown, Universal's Akon and Keyshia Cole are the international headline acts for the 16th staging of Summerfest Productions' Reggae Sumfest 2008.
After months of speculation regarding negotiations with the 'Forever' singer, Reggae Sumfest's executive director, Johnny Gourzong, announced Brown's confirmation at a VP Records-sponsored press party at the Negril Village restaurant in New York last Wednesday night.
The talented 19-year-old Brown, adored by a huge following of teenagers and their parents, has become one of R&B's hottest artistes.
Sharing the spotlight
Model Yaneisha Welds was not camera-shy at the Reggae Sumfest press party at the Negril Village restaurant in New York last Wednesday night.
In the case of the Senegalese-born Akon, this is the artiste's second appearance on the festival. Akon will share the spotlight with the I Should Have Cheated singer, Cole, who is signed to A&M Records.
This year, the event will see the organisers forking out US$2 million for the production, while moving up the historical notch with live streaming of the show on the Internet via Kariblink Digital, allowing millions access to the show worldwide, said Sara Lawrence, Kariblink's representative.
Gourzong also announced another first for the event, stating that online ticket sales commenced last Thursday via partners www.ticketstubs.com.
Local line-up
Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett assists Kariblink Digital's Sara Lawrence in drawing one of four prizes of free subscription for live streaming of Reggae Sumfest 2008 at the press party. Behind them is Carrole Guntley, director general in the Ministry of Tourism.
Promising that the local line-up would be as strong as ever, Gourzong said the emphasis this year was to highlight young artistes such as Etana and Queen I-Frica, Tami Chynn, Tarrus Riley, and Erup, complemented by veterans Beres Hammond, Beenie Man, Buju Banton, Sizzla, Bounty Killer, Elephant Man, Mavado, Busy Signal, Jah Cure, Richie Spice, Macka Diamond, Brick & Lace, Anthony B, Voice Mail, Vybz Cartel and Harry Toddler.
The July 13-19 event, which will once again set standards as the 'Greatest Reggae Show on Earth', was endorsed by the Commissioner of Immigrant Affairs in the Mayor's Office, Guillermo Linares, Jamaica's Consul General in New York, Geneive Brown Metzger, and attorney-at-law Joan Flowers, representing Democratic Senator, Malcolm A. Smith.
Jamaica's deputy director of tourism, David Shields (centre), is sandwiched by VP Records' Chris (left) and Randy Chin, who both sponsored the Reggae Sumfest press party at the Negril Village restaurant in New York.
Director of Summerfest Productions, Godfrey Dyer, and Wisynco Group's Tabitha Athey at the Reggae Sumfest press party at the Negril Village restaurant in New York last Wednesday night.
It was a fashion showcase with a difference last weekend in Montego Bay, headlined 'Designed Fashion Showcase 2008'. The event took place at Half Moon Resort in Montego Bay on Saturday, May 31.
Popular American actor/super-model Tyson Beckford and Carmen Valente strike a pleasing pose at the Designed Fashion Showcase.
From left: Sihul Hosang, Chinyere Nwaogwugwu, Carla Marzouca and Ian Dear at the Designed Fashion Showcase.
Members of the Stewart clan, Duncan Stewart and Jackie Stewart-Lechler, pose beside this spanking BMW on show at the Designed Fashion Showcase.
Popular hotelier and one-time recording artiste, Horace Peterkin, and wife Dominique at the Designed Fashion Showcase. - Photo by Richard Morais
