With mere days to go before the curtains rise on the world’s greatest reggae festival, Reggae Sumfest, anticipation is reaching fever pitch. Set to unfold from July 13–19 in Montego Bay, the man at the helm—Sumfest boss Joe Bogdanovich—is beaming with excitement.
In an exclusive interview with Caribbean National Weekly, the ever-passionate and flamboyant concert promoter shared his thoughts on this year’s staging and the intense momentum building around the event.
“We’re in the last-minute rush that Jamaicans are famous for,” he chuckled. “We know Jamaicans usually wait until almost show day to purchase tickets. Night 1 is almost sold out. We still have a few general and VIP tickets left, but we’re down to just a few. If you’re planning to be there, I’d move fast.”
According to Bogdanovich, ticket sales are skyrocketing, and the demand has been nothing short of phenomenal, largely fueled by one electrifying factor—the return of Vybz Kartel to Reggae Sumfest after a 13-year hiatus.
“The energy surrounding Kartel’s return is electric. People have been waiting for this moment for years. It’s shaping up to be a historic night,” he said confidently.
Reggae Sumfest will be the official coronation of Vybz Kartel as the new “King of the Dancehall.”
When asked if this could be the biggest Sumfest ever, Bogdanovich didn’t hesitate.
“Without a doubt, it’s shaping up to be one of the biggest stagings. Ticket sales are surging across the board, international media interest is at an all-time high, and the buzz in Montego Bay is unlike anything we’ve seen in a while. It’s the perfect storm—Kartel’s return, a stellar lineup of reggae and dancehall icons, and even an international touch with Toni Braxton on the bill. The world is watching, and they’re coming to Montego Bay.”
As one of the most influential reggae and dancehall promoters globally, Bogdanovich has had a front-row seat to the genre’s recent resurgence. He attended the two sold-out Vybz Kartel shows in Brooklyn, as well as Bounty Killer’s explosive return to the Barclays Center—a triumphant moment for dancehall in the U.S.
“Dancehall isn’t just alive—it’s thriving,” he exclaimed!
“Kartel’s rise is meteoric. These arena shows prove that Jamaican music continues to influence the world. What stood out was the emotional connection fans have. There’s loyalty and passion that transcends borders,” he explained.
“For promoters like myself, the takeaway is clear—we must keep raising the standard. People want more than a concert; they want a full experience. That’s exactly what Sumfest delivers, year after year.”
So what’s next for Reggae Sumfest, we asked?
“We’re taking things up another level. After this year, the bar will be higher—and we’re ready. Expect more international partnerships, more innovative experiences, and stronger digital integration so fans around the world can feel like they’re part of the movement.”
Bogdanovich’s vision is clear: Sumfest isn’t just a festival—it’s becoming a global platform for Jamaican music and culture.
And with Montego Bay bracing for a record influx of fans and media, Reggae Sumfest 2025 is poised to go down in history. See you in Montego Bay!
