Reggae Sumfest 2014

By Steve James on Tuesday, August 5, 2014 - Photos by Steve James - Comment

22nd edition of Reggae Sumfest.

The 22^nd staging of Reggae Sumfest was held July 17^th – 19^th at Catherine Hall in Montego Bay, Jamaica. As usual, the event served to expose new and upcoming talent to an audience they would not have had previously and gave the audience an opportunity to enjoy numerous popular artistes each night.

sumfest 2014

Among the new talent that graced the stage on Thursday’s Dancehall Night were Konfydence, Baby Tash, Gage, and Ryme Minista. Fast rising sensations such as Kalado, Tifa, Alkaline and Bugle gave notice of their intentions when they performed their popular hits to the well receptive large audience. Seasoned dancehall artistes Popcaan, Assassin, and Aidonia were among the ‘big guns’ reserved for the fast approaching morning. Among those who stood out was the perennial Ninja Man whose performance and lyricism reminded all why he has remained a stage show staple for three decades. He brought on the likes of singer Tinga Stewart, Wickaman and Specialist to complement his set.

mr vegas Dressed in a 70’s style outfit, complete with platform shoes, Mr. Vegas did a very energetic set while performing his popular songs including Heads High, Nike Air and Bruk It Down. Baby Tash who appeared in his set brought back memories of the good old days of songs with Lady G and Papa San. Busy Signal who was appearing on Sumfest for the first time in a few years delivered his usual professional set and was well received.

Always consistent, Agent Sasko (aka Assassin) also did a stinging performance, while (The Warlord) Bounti Killa performed several of his songs that related to current topical issues. For the second straight year Dancehall Night was closed by I-Octane.

The first major act to grace the stage for International Night 1 was the Exterminator singer Jesse Royal who is currently enjoying a successful stint in the reggae industry. Always electrifying, Nature showed off his dancing skills which many positively find similarity with that of veteran singer Carl Dawkins. Fresh from his recent tour Chronixx and his band; Zinc Fence provided the audience with a solid dose of positive music during his set. International US artiste Wiz Kalifa and Jason Derulo changed the reggae/dancehall vibe within the venue but sustained the momentum that was being built all night. Jah Cure who is always at home in Montego Bay, delivered hits such as Jah Bless, That Girl, Build Great Man and his big hit Unconditional Love. In the early hours of the morning International Night 1 was closed by ‘Doctor’ Beenie Man who needed no introduction. With decades of hit songs in his catalogue, he had no problem pleasing the audience, and that he did.

Israeli band Zvuloon Dub System had the pleasure of performing in Jamaica for the first time on International Night 2. They were followed by the daughter of Beres Hammond, The Wizard featuring Dhalia, also performing on the festival for the first time. Sanchez who has not performed in Jamaica for a number of years lived up to the expectation as one of the greatest singers being billed for Reggae Sumfest 2014. The crowd went crazy while he belted out hits like Chronic, Chemistry, End of the World, Amazing Grace and his latest hit Him Buy a Drink. International artiste Future also represented well and delivered a full set. After being absent from the stage of Reggae Sumfest for over ten years International Reggae Artiste Sean Paul showed the audience just how much his performance has grown while absent from the local stage. His dancers were electrifying and his band was in sync with his demands. Winner of The Voice, Tessane Chin was performing in Jamaica for the first time since her appearance at the Shaggy & Friends show in January. She gave the audience all they were yearning for.

freddie mcgregor

Reggae Sumfest was brought to a close by singer Freddie McGregor who also received an award from the organizers of Sumfest for his contribution to Jamaica’s music industry. Backed by an orchestra with several seasoned musicians such as bass player Mikey Fletcher, Keyboard player Robbie Lyn and others he gave the audience several of the hits from his vast repertoire. He was also joined on stage by Judy Mowatt, his sons Chino and Stephen McGregor and daughter Yeshemabeth.