Reggae Sumfest countdown is on

The countdown is under way for ‘Magnum – A Taste of Reggae Sumfest’, following Thursday’s mid-morning media launch, where organisers confirmed preparations are in full swing for the Gully/Gaza-themed event. 

Set for July 18 at Plantation Cove in Priory, St Ann, the one-night staging will take place outside its usual Montego Bay home. Dancehall heavyweights Vybz Kartel and Mavado are billed as headliners, joined by Jamal, Ayetian, Queen Ifrica, Harry Toddler, Shawn Storm, Marcy Chin and Young Wild Apache.

In an article published in THE WEEKEND STAR on Friday, director of Reggae Sumfest in charge of production, Robert Livingston, said that at this point “the adrenaline is starting to kick in”.

“In terms of planning for the production, I could say we're 60 per cent ready,” Livingston said. “The greatest thing is to look at the plan … and then you demonstrate it in your vision every time you think about the stage design, how many people you want to hold in the venue, the kind of atmosphere you build in there. You know, the whole energy and how you want to execute it.”

“And the execution part begins now,” he added seriously.

With just under four weeks to go and an expected crowd projected to make A Taste of Reggae Sumfest one of the largest events ever staged at Plantation Cove, organisers say every detail is being tightly managed.

Assistant commissioner of police, Dr Gary McKenzie, stressed that “organised management” will be in place, as he outlined comprehensive traffic control plans, public safety arrangements and coordinated strategies aimed at ensuring smooth movement of both patrons and vehicles.

He painted a picture of the traffic flow from the eastern and western ends of the island towards the venue and noted that arrangements are in place to have designated entrances for patrons coming from each side.

“I know that there is some amount of anxiety, especially in the vicinity of Priory, and so we will ensure that those areas are sterile to the extent that there will be no obstructions. I can assure you that that will be done,” McKenzie said.

“One of the concerns that we have had is the bundling on the roadways when there are delays, and so what we will do is ensure that that does not happen. Sometimes, when we have delays, there becomes anxiety, and there becomes indiscipline. We will not tolerate that,” McKenzie warned.

He stressed that the intention is to have “a smooth flow of traffic along the roadway from wherever people are coming from”.

The organisers also outlined that there will be park and ride options for patrons, and Knutsford Express has once again partnered with the Downsound team to transport festival-goers from various parts of the island.

With none of the artistes present at the launch, a key moment came from producer Cordell ‘Skatta’ Burrell, who reflected on the historic Vybz Kartel and Mavado reunion set for the Taste of Reggae Sumfest stage.

Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange, was not present in person, but sent her message via video. “When one thinks of Reggae Sumfest, one immediately thinks of the beautiful and welcoming city of Montego Bay. Montego Bay was one of the areas hit hardest by Hurricane Melissa, and although the national recovery continues at pace, some infrastructures, such as Catherine Hall, are not yet ready to deliver the kind of experience for which Jamaica is known,” Minister Grange said, referring to the fact that the seven-night festival has been scaled down to one night this year.

She continued, “Those are major changes … but what will not change is the unique energy and vibrant performances at Reggae Sumfest, the greatest reggae show on Earth.”

entertainment@gleanerjm.com