Sumfest boss pleads for support

Reggae Sumfest has become the biggest event of its kind in the Caribbean and the organiser wants support to make it an even more invaluable source of income for Jamaica.

Joe Bogdanovich said more can be done to increase the revenue flowing into the local economy of Montego Bay and Jamaica generally.

"I believe I can make a difference, you know. Reggae Sumfest generated over US$10 million in annual revenue, benefiting the Jamaican economy and the St James parish. Do you know what that means? Over a billion Jamaican dollars infused into the local economy of Montego Bay," Bogdanovich said.

The 28th anniversary of Reggae Sumfest will be staged this summer. The event is six nights of activities which will include an All White Blitz party, A Sound System Explosion, Beach Party along with the main concert nights. The festival is held the third week of July.

Reggae Sumfest is known for electrifying performances from local and international reggae acts. The 2019 event featured Beres Hammond, Koffee, Buju Banton, Bounty Killa, Beenie Man, Spice, Spragga Benz, Proteje, Chronixx and many others.

"I cannot do it alone," Bogdanovich said. "We have to look at entertainment as a fully-fledged business and work together. This means the music fraternity, the sponsors, the government and the communities, all working together as one. Let's take a stand and make it right, make a commitment and honour it."

Bogdanovich acquired the Reggae Sumfest brand in 2016 for an undisclosed sum. The event has continued to grow, so much so that it appears too big for the current venue at Catherine Hall. But the Sumfest boss has no intention to move. Instead, he wants to expand Catherine Hall, and he believes that if it becomes a permanent base for Sumfest, it will contribute an additional US$5 million annually.