Business interests are expecting this year’s Reggae Sumfest to bring a significant jolt to the Montego Bay economy, which should also extend to the wider Jamaica. It is being seen as a welcome ease to the current economic crunch and a catapult for more growth.
Each year, the world- renowned Festival draws thousands of overseas visitors into the city and its environs, and with this influx, there comes a remarkable upswing in commerce and its related benefits. Visitors have been known to travel from as far as Australia to attend the Festival, spending on Jamaican products liberally as they seek to enjoy every aspect of the Jamaican brand. From as far back as 2003, it was predicted that significant foreign exchange would flow into the island during the time of the festival. This year’s Festival should bring substantial benefits to a wide variety of business interests primarily in the second city, but extending to other areas of the island.
“We expect Reggae Sumfest to be a major contributor to the economic landscape for this year,” states Johnny Gourzong, Executive Director of Summerfest Productions, producers of Reggae Sumfest. “This Festival causes people to not just spend on it, but to spend in preparation for it, and in several other endeavours related to it, and this year should be no different.”
This reality has been duly noted by the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce, which has over 200 members ranging from small family-run enterprises, to large scale businesses such as hotels and resorts. They all thrive from the boom in the various forms of trade which are direct spin-offs from the Festival, during a period that has traditionally been considered slow in that part of the island.
Data from the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce also indicate that villas, hotels, and guest houses become fully booked, restaurants, cook shops, and cafes get unprecedented patronage, clothing stores, beauty salons and countless other businesses get the spike in activity before, during, and even after the Festival. In addition, the benefits are not confined to the second city, but spread widely to the major towns across the island. The fashion industry is one example, as the clothing stores, the tailors, dressmakers and those that provide accessories get major orders to fill within the period.
With the line-up this year that includes American R&B star Chris Brown, international superstars Shaggy and Beenie Man, Jah Cure, Etana, Queen Ifrica and Mavado, the package again promises to be an excellent lineup, and the expected benefits to the country should follow.
Reggae Sumfest is the most celebrated and supported Reggae festival in Jamaica, and attracts the world’s leading musicians and performers. In its near 20 year history, the show has boasted a superb entertainment package, loaded with the best performances, food, music, and culture. This year’s Festival runs from July 22-24 at Catherine Hall, St James.
Red Stripe is back as the main sponsor of Reggae Sumfest, after a one-year hiatus. The brand now joins a growing list of sponsors which includes Digicel, Iberostar, JTB, and Wisynco, for the 18th staging of the country’s premier Reggae Festival.
Its Official, reggae recording artists Etana and I Octane are the latest addition to the Palz Production 3rd Annual staging of Family Fun Fest slated for this Easter Monday April 5th at Jam World in Portmore. The event which is geared towards community upliftment and serenity is once again boasting an impressive lineup after last years successful staging.
According to the promoters of the event the new additions to the line up came after the main headliner for the show had a sudden cancellation.
"Well what had happened was dancehall deejay Elephant Man was suppose to be the headliner for this years show. We went ahead and booked him but later found out he had other engagements in Europe so we had to shuffle a bit. Last year Ele came and gave a great performance so in his absence we plan on having a dance segment with his songs for the kids".
Amongst the other acts slated to hit the Family Fun Fest stage are D Angel, Q.Q, Ken Booth, Tanice Morrison, Apache Chief & Sarge, members of Dance Expressions plus many more.
In keeping with the theme of the event patrons can expect the usual Fun Amusements including Water Slides, Rock Climber, Mechanical Bull, Go-Karts, Bounce-A-Bouts, Clowns, Face Paint and a host of other competitions and prize giveaways ranging from DVD Players and Bicycles to Toaster Ovens and Books galore.
Family Fun Fest will this year be sponsored by Seprod, Excelsior, Coke Zero, CVM TV, RJR Communications Group, HYPE TV, Ovaltine, Miracle, Valle, Travelers Beach Resort, Orbit, Main Events, Hugheaden Supermarket, UBT Corporation Limited, Kingston Hireage, Sign Channel and Butterkist. Admission for the all day event is $400 for Adults and children $200.
Etana's management company, apologizes that the live drawing for the Etana Music Video Competition did not air as scheduled.
The live drawing, originally slated for Saturday, February 27, has been rescheduled to Saturday, March 13 at 5:00 PM. Irish and Chin regrets any inconvenience caused. Last week, Etana was in New York busy working on tracks for her upcoming album. Unfortunately, a snow storm in the New York area prevented her from getting to Jamaica in time for the live finale. Voters should tune into RE TV for the drawing and keep their phones on in case they are one of the lucky winners!
Today, Monday May 8th is International Women's Day and for some enthused and generous patrons in the courtyard of Star Apples Restaurant in Kingston Jamaica it could not have started on a more positive note. They were attending WOMANBITION: Word, Sound Power-It’s a Mission”, a concert organized by influential women in Jamaican entertainment with proceeds going to two well-deserved charities. As guests mingled, sat in the yard sampling the delicious fare from Star Apple or sauntered over to the bar, they were kept entertained by Tricia Spence AKA ZJ Sparks (Naw wah, I mean--lol) of Zip FM.
Tricia "ZJ Sparks" Spence
Ayeola and Nelly Stharre
The night’s event was for a serious cause and Ms. Enid Courtney took the stage to speak about the contributions that the U.N.I.A nurses Corp has been making throughout communities on the island such as performing routine blood pressure checks; and offering alternative forms of medicine such as yoga and reflexology. “The wealth of a nation depends on the health of a nation,” said Ms. Courtney. Sentiments echoed by the capacity crowd. Ms. Nadia Williams of Mary’s Child took the stand to speak about the pregnant girls that are under her stewardship. At the Kingston location, there are 8 babies with 4 on the way, while in Montego Bay there are 2 with 4 on the way as well. The girls at the facilities range in age from 12-18 and are victims of rape, incest and or carnal abuse. The girls learn skills in the various centers at the facility: IT, cosmetology, home economics and sewing.
Jessica Yap and Etana
The first performance I saw was Jessica Yap who played “Don’t Worry” by Bob Marley and “Wrong Address” by Etana. The songstress, popularly known as “The Strong One’ was visibly moved and shared her sentiments with Jessica. After that instrumental performance came some of Jamaica’s top female vocalists, who shared stories of strength and inspiration with the crowd, with special focus on the girls from Mary’s House. Mary Isaacs performed “Don't Stay Away” by the Skatalites while serenading a very bashful guest on stage. For her encore performance she gave the crowd a taste of Bob Marley's "Nice Time". Keteis Ayunde started off with Miriam Makeba's "Pata Pata" her second song "In The Name of Life" was dedicated to the memory of her nephew who died from Leukemia. A moment of silence was observed in honor of the life of Ras Junior Manning, Chairman of the Ethio-African Diaspora Millennium Union Council, who passed earlier in the day.
Alaine
The multi-talented, host, TV personality and entrepreneur Empress performed some original renditions. She has the most beautiful skin-flawless! Alaine started off her set with “Rise In Love”she also advised the young ladies to get their education as that is something that can never be taken away. She also sang ”Deeper”and an acapella rendition of "The Lords’ Prayer" before closing with "No Ordinary Love”.
Perched on a chair with guitar in hand, Etana sang "Wrong Address" and wow does the crowd love her, they were singing word for word. "Roots" and ”I am Not Afraid” were well received as well. She got the enthusiastic crowd to repeat: ”independent,” “powerful,” ”mi love miself," "real wit it”-definitly capitalizing on the evening's theme. But the most poignant moment of the evening came when she sang her latest song "Free." Etana became so overcome with emotion, she had to turn her back to the crowd. For a moment she could not speak. She eventually told the encouraging crowd that she touched one of the girls and felt nothing-that she was empty. Speaking to the young girls from Mary’s House, Etana said that she wished she could give them her strength, but she gives them her music, her prayers. She said her tears were falling into the earth, going to place that are untouchable. She encouraged these children to believe in their prayers and that the Most High loves them "Just the same.” She told them that everything in Earth is theirs "You no have to sell your soul, sell your heart, sleep wit no body, beat nobody. You going to get it. Some don’t know what to do with it and they think they are better than others. Never you do it. God will take it away. Bad mindedness will bring you into the earth, Mother earth will swallow you. She cited the recent earthquakes around the earth and the unusually cold weather as signs from mother earth. "Everything is possible if you believe it." She finished her song.
When she got on stage Tanya Stephens stated that “Etana take way mi legs dem” referring to the preceding performance. “Mek Dem Talk" was her first song. She also sang a song written for people with HIV called “I’m Still Alive” and implored persons to work together to solve the problem from wherever they were. Now Tanya is known for some tongue-in-cheek lyrics and I think she effortlessly lightened the mood. With songs like “Home Alone (What Would You Do) she said you might have to promise a man bun if he's not attentive to your needs. Like children, if something doesn't work one has to try new methods, don't? Well ladies Tanya says in same way "Your manh ah yuh child so you have fi raise him, right." LOL . She sang favorites like "These Streets" and "It's A Pity" accompanied by the receptive crowd. I love how Tanya Stephens can say things that are so unconventional with a sweet smile and we just cyaan mad at her for that. Like when she jokingly stated how selfish it is of the woman who "finds one good man in a 100 mile radius and doh waan fi share: You wretch!" Oh Tanya how we love you, and your take on relationships.
Gotta give props to D'Angel who interacted with the girls from Mary's home who walked her onto the stage, and even did some impromptu dancing to her song "Blaze." Lady G wrapped up the night's performances with "Breeze Off" and "Nuff Respect"
Earlier performances came from Jah 9, Kai Wakling, Sharon Tucker, Sajoya, Nelly Stharre, and poet Natural Cherry
Though they did not take the stage other female entertainers and personalities such as Una Morgan, Barbee, Kim-Marie Spence and Dr. Carolyn Cooper were present and accounted for. And the men lent their support as well. Photographer Alty Benjamin Jr, singer Protoje, and Charles Campbell Chairman of Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JARIA)-who visited to the stage on more than one occasion to drop money, were observed enjoying the performances.
Alty Benjamin Jr. and Kim-Marie Spence
I was definitely pleased that I attended this very worthwhile event. Kudos to the organisers Denise "Isis" Miller (who was the night's MC), Keteis, Nadia Stanley, Empress and Nelly Stharre. All artists performed free of charge. ZJ Sparks and ZJ Elektra as well as the all female security lent their services for free as well.
Sponsors for the event included: Calabash Heights International, Nature's Eyes, Rassis International, Pleasuremakers Sound & Equipment, Livity Veggie Meals, Stanley and empress Boutique, Star Apple Restaurant, Simiyah House, Mekyah Water, King Alarm, SecurePro Security and Sling Shot Productions (lighting)
Enjoy the clip of the performances and scenes!
2010 International Women's Day theme is "Equal rights equal opportunity progress for all". For more information click HERE!
Since the late December launch of Etana's music video competition on RE TV, tons of votes have poured in from fans. The buzz has been incredible so far and the massive still have a chance to cast their vote for their favorite video and be entered into a drawing for fantastic prizes. The music video competition, which features Etana's three new, red-hot videos "August Town," "Free" and "Happy Heart," has been heating up RE TV and the Reggae music industry. Not only is this the first time a contest of this sort has aired on RE TV -- notably, it's also the first time a Reggae artist has released three music videos at one time. To make Etana's simultaneous video releases even more special, each video boasts impeccable production and quality.
Over the past few weeks, viewers have been able to avidly detail why they selected a particular video as their favorite. Leaning on reasons such as theme, message, costumes, set and scenery, the viewing audience stands by their picks. "This is a great feeling," says Etana humbly. "All of these videos are my babies....but I need to hear what the fans like and why."
"August Town," "Free," and "Happy Heart" were produced by top Reggae music video directors Winston "Tyson" Mayhew, Jay Will and Scorpio 21 respectively. Leaders in this genre, each of the directors injected raw talent and style into their efforts. Capturing three of Etana's many sides, these new videos/singles provide all with a glimpse at the musical diversity slated for Etana's sophomore album release.
"These videos provide us with the perfect opportunity to introduce Reggae music fans to the eclectic, multi-talented artist known as Etana," says Etana's manager Garfield "Chin" Bourne of Irish and Chin, Inc. "There is no doubt in my mind that the diversity of the new videos/singles will expand Etana's fanbase and popularity."
The live broadcast of the music competition finale will feature Etana announcing and calling the selected first (mac laptop), second (blackberry) and third (Ipod - loaded with Etana's music) prize winners on air.
In addition to an overwhelming voting response, the tv media outlets have been aggressively seeking to incorporate the videos into rotation. To date, numerous tv outlets through out the Caribbean, Europe and the U.S. have inquired. By the day, the fanfare increases. Etana is truly one of Reggae music's most talented singers. Boldly, bearing the title of "Strong One," the soulful chanteuse never fails to entertain the massive with thought-invoked, quality music
