In 2016, Jamaica’s annual Reggae Sumfest made a significant shift, focusing on celebrating Jamaican talent and local entertainers. However, it appears that the organizers are now poised to infuse the festival with international artistes once again.
Babyface: A soulful sensation in Jamaica
Through an official announcement on their Instagram page Thursday, Reggae Sumfest delighted fans by revealing that the international superstar, Kenneth Brian Edmonds, better known as Babyface, is set to make a grand appearance in Jamaica.
He will perform on Festival Night Two on July 20, 2024, which was called the International Night.
Joining the lineup with Babyface is a luminary born on Jamaican soil, the internationally acclaimed Beres Hammond.
A return to international acts
Babyface’s appearance in 2024 marks a significant milestone, as it will be the first time since 2015 that an international act has graced the Sumfest stage.
In 2015, it was singer Jennifer Hudson and rapper/actor Yazz The Greatest who headlined the show.
The decision to exclude international acts from the Sumfest lineup was made years ago, with organizers citing the hefty cost of booking international acts, exceeding $US 2 million.
According to Jamaica Observer, Joe Bogdanovich, in an interview, highlighted the dynamic nature of the entertainment industry, emphasizing that Reggae Sumfest is keen on accommodating the demands of its patrons.
Bogdanovich said that the intention is not to revive the past explicitly but rather to meet the preferences of the audience.
He indicated that Sumfest is reintegrating international acts into the show and shared that Friday night’s festival will also feature surprises.
Honoring dancehall icon Bounty Killer
Reggae Sumfest also unveiled that this year’s tribute will be a heartfelt homage to the contributions of dancehall artiste Rodney Pryce, better known as Bounty Killer.
A revived sumfest experience
With Babyface’s upcoming performance and the promise of exciting surprises, Reggae Sumfest 2024 is poised to deliver a remarkable experience, rekindling the magic of international superstars gracing the Jamaican stage once more.
