One of the biggest moments of this year’s Reggae Sumfest will be the official coronation of dancehall icon Vybz Kartel as the new “King of the Dancehall”, promoters confirmed at the festival’s recent media launch.
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The announcement was made by Josef Bogdanovich, CEO of Downsound Entertainment, during the launch event held at the Iberostar Hotel in St James.
“We are also crowning Vybz Kartel, that’s a big deal!” Bogdanovich told the Jamaica Observer.
The symbolic crowning comes more than a decade after Beenie Man received the same honor at Reggae Sumfest 2009, complete with robe and crown. But Bogdanovich suggested that it’s time to pass the torch.
“Kings come and go. They can’t be a king all the time,” he said.
The 32nd edition of Reggae Sumfest is set for July 13–19, transforming Montego Bay into a cultural hotspot with seven events spread across the week. The festival will culminate in two major concert nights at the Catherine Hall Entertainment Complex.
The 2025 lineup boasts an eclectic mix of local and international stars, including Toni Braxton, Vybz Kartel, Tarrus Riley, Masicka, Protoje, and Tommy Lee Sparta, among others.
“This year’s festival promises to be nothing short of eclectic… From July 13th to the 19th, Montego Bay will once again become the heartbeat of the Caribbean,” said Bogdanovich.
Culture and Entertainment Minister Olivia “Babsy” Grange, in remarks read by fellow minister Homer Davis, praised Sumfest as a symbol of Jamaican pride and creativity.
“For decades Reggae Sumfest has been just more than a music festival. It has been a celebration of our identity, a showcase of our talent and the powerful reminder of the impact Jamaican music has had on the world,” the message read.
Director of Tourism Donovan White echoed those sentiments, calling the festival “our cultural North Star.”
“It reflects the essence of our people, the pulse of our culture, and the spirit of our national identity. For countless visitors, it serves as the gateway to discovering Jamaica,” he added.
The launch event also paid tribute to Robert “Ducksie” Russell, co-founder of Reggae Sumfest, who passed away in December 2023 at the age of 76.
“Robert was more than a co-founder, he was a cultural visionary, a champion of Jamaican music, and a beloved figure whose legacy still guides this festival even today,” Bogdanovich said.
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