Tag: Bogdanovich
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From its inception, reggae music has characteristically been associated with Rastafarians, the tropics, and spliffs sending up plumes of cannabis smoke. Acknowledging this everlasting connection to music, Clyde McKenzie, organiser of the upcoming Reggae Sumfest symposium, wishes to propel conversations that inextricably align cannabis use with reggae music.
Along with topics such as the technical art of sound engineering and the correlation between music and violence, McKenzie has organised for a panel to open a discussion on music and herb on July 12 at the Mona Visitors’ Lodge at The UWI Mona Campus, during the symposium.
Regardless of the fact that many places around the world, including Uruguay and Canada, have recently embraced cannabis as both medicine and recreation, Jamaica is still tiptoeing towards accepting the product as viable in business and in health. But there is another connection that is well known, but perhaps undermined for its not-so-pretty history as a criminal element.
“There is a historical nexus between the plant and Jamaican music. Many of our leading exponents have really promoted or recommended the use of ganja in their music. The fact is that the Rastafarian movement is significant to our cultural music, as is their sacramental plant,” McKenzie told The Sunday Gleaner.
“The question we’re asking is how do we continue the synergy between ganja and Jamaican music; what can be derived from continued associations between the two; and what should be the nature of this relationship. How will the businesses that are marijuana-related invest? Will they use Jamaican music to promote it? Or how will they invest in Jamaican music?” he questioned.
To continue pushing the conversation, local music festivals like Rebel Salute and Reggae Sumfest have either dedicated features to the event (like Salute’s Herb Curb) or inviting the participation of advocates, activists and the few licensed entities that exist.
GAME CHANGER
Since Jamaica began issuing licences to select growers who are developing medical and recreational dispensaries, a variety of players entered the fledgling industry. According to Joe Bogdanovich, some of those players will be represented at Reggae Sumfest.
“It’s a really significant industry, maybe a game changer industry, maybe in more ways than we actually know. I’ll say it’s all positive and constructive. It’s an industry that we recognise at Reggae Sumfest,” he told The Sunday Gleaner.
“Here in the island of Jamaica, it’s a situation where there are a lot of medical marijuana applications. From my understanding, it’s much more significant than just the other kind of marijuana. We do understand that it helps cancer patients, with dietary problems and all sorts of things,” Bogdanovich observed.
For the Sumfest principal, his position about the shifting global attitude to cannabis primarily aligns with medicine. However, the historical nexus, McKenzie highlighted, is not lost on the popular entrepreneur.
He added: “Marijuana was a common thing, back in the Peace Movement in them’60s that was revolutionary at that time. It’s something that comes all the way from Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and all of those people. This is just the continuation, an evolution of business.”
So far, Bogdanovich has secured the support of RAGGA (Rastafari Grassroots and Ganja Cluster), a group representing all the mansions of Rastafari at next month’s staging of Reggae Sumfest.
“RAGGA is one such licensed organisation and they’re definitely on board. Island Strains is on board, and a few others brands want to get on board, but they’re not totally approved as of yet. We’re working on getting that done,” he revealed.
Among the other topics to be explored at the July 12 Reggae Symposium, are the relevance of radio in the advent of social media and the question of appropriation or misappropriation. Totally free to the public, the symposium only requires online registration via Reggae Sumfest’s website. Thee organisers say that space is limited and refreshment will be provided.
Reggae Sumfest kicks off on July 14 with ‘Morning Medz’, a breakfast party at Tropical Beach. On Monday, July 15, the festival will take to the streets with a Street Dance at the Old Hospital Park. The action moves to Pier 1 on Tuesday, July 16, with the All-White Party. It’s all black on Wednesday, July 17, when the party moves to the Hard Rock Café in Montego Bay. The Global Sound Clash takes place on Thursday, July 18, at Pier 1, and this will see top selectors Ricky Trooper, Pink Panther, Yard Beat, and King Turbo competing for honours.
The performances begin at the Catherine Hall Entertainment Centre on Friday, July 19. Among the artistes who are now in rehearsals for Reggae Sumfest Night 1 are Chronixx, Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, Spice, Agent Sasco, Dexta Daps, Squash Spragga Benz, Elephant Man, Munga, Govanna, and Dovey Magnum.
The curtains come down on Reggae Sumfest on Saturday, July 20, with heavyweights Buju Banton, and Beres Hammond as well as Protojé, Romain Virgo, Chris Martin, Dalton Harris, Jah9 and Etana.
http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/entertainment/20190630/game-changing-ganja-reggae-sumfest
Networking A Priority At Sumfest’s Reggae Symposium
Published:Friday | June 28, 2019 | Kimberley Small/Staff Reporter
The synergy between cannabis and Jamaican music; the relevance of radio in the advent of social media; the technical art of sound engineering; the question of appropriation or misappropriation and the correlation between music and violence are all topics to be tackled during the Reggae Symposium, on July 12 at the Mona Visitors’ Lodge on The University of the West Indies, Mona campus.
As part of Reggae Sumfest’s expanded week-long activities, the symposium casts a more scrutinizing gaze on the local music industry, with the hope to facilitate networking and learning opportunities for aspiring music business professionals.
Though he was not a participant for last year’s inaugural symposium, music scholar Clyde McKenzie revealed that he was present at the genesis of the idea to introduce elements that extend Reggae Sumfest into a form resembling major international music festivals.
“The trend is for festivals around the world to encompass as many different features as possible. In discussions with Joe Bogdanovich, I said that a symposium would be a nice feature. He was in agreement because his mind seemed to be going in that direction,” McKenzie told The Gleaner.
He continued: “Joe and Sumfest should be applauded for this initiative because it is another facet of a festival that we need to highlight. You need to be entertained, but you also need to be informed. The aim is for younger people in the business to get the opportunity to network with and learn.”
Free of charge, the symposium only requires online registration for attendants. “There is not a cent charged for it, and we’ll be making sure there will be refreshment and snacks so people are comfortable coming there. There is limited space. There are opportunities to register via the Reggae Sumfest website. First come, first served,” McKenzie said. kimberley.small@gleanerjm.com
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“Elephant Man returns to Sumfest after five years”
by
Sade Gardner – STAR Writer
June 19, 2019
It has been five years since #ElephantMan touched the Reggae Sumfest stage, but his zestful performances have not changed. The full force of the ‘Energy God’ will be on show when he makes his return on Festival Night One at the Catherine Hall Entertainment Complex in #MontegoBay, St James, on July 19.
“We always bring a good and crazy show for the people dem. The ‘Energy God’ never change. We still a climb on stage. We still a jump inna di crowd. We still a do all of that,” he told THE STAR.
“The last time we do all of that, dem seh dem a sue me fi mash up dem instruments. So we nah go bring it to da level deh, where we a mash up nothing or hurt nobody, but yuh done know we giving the people the energy non-stop.”
The Crazy Hype deejay was a staple performer on the show, making appearances for 10 consecutive years, before deciding to take a step back. His decision was motivated by a few reasons, including wanting to create a demand and longing for his interactive sets.
“I’ve been doing it for so long, and sometimes you have to give it a breather. Nobody nuh waah drive one car for 30 years. You a go want a change. So me just seh, mek me give it a break and mek the people see me fresh again,” he said.
“They called me two times after the last time I performed, but the price never did too ‘hundred’ for me, and the next time dem call, I had different obligations. Even concerts like Best of the Best I used to do every year and stopped. Yuh nuh want it reach a point where when you go on stage, people seh dem tired fi see you and dem see you last year, the year before and the year before. No. Yuh fi mek dem embrace back yuh presence and seh, we haven’t seen you for a while on the stage.”
Since his last appearance, the festival was acquired by businessman Joe Bogdanovich from previous principals Johnny Gourzong, Robert Russell and Tina Davis. Elephant Man commended Bogdanovich for altering the festival nights – excluding the former international nights to highlight more local acts.
“Me like the vibes and direction weh Joe take it to. We might not have no international artistes, but him put out a 100 per cent fi di Jamaican artistes and make it our festival, and that is good,” Elephant Man said.
“Him captivate the people from abroad wid the grass roots and let dem know you’re not coming here to see Akon or Mariah Carey. You’re coming here to see nothing but dancehall. If you look on the line-up, it’s all ‘gas pedal’ non-stop. There is a different variety of artistes, and everybody is excited for Reggae Sumfest, so it’s gonna be crazy.”
Reggae Sumfest Almost Ready For Jamaican Blast-Off
JIM BYERS JUNE 17, 2019
Reggae Sumfest runs in Montego Bay, Jamaica in late July of this year.
One of the Caribbean’s hottest music parties is almost here.
This summer marks the 27th anniversary of Reggae Sumfest, Jamaica’s iconic music festival, set for Montego Bay from July 14-20, 2019. Organized by Downsound Entertainment and sponsored by the Jamaica Tourist Board, the premier music festival comes on the heels of UNESCO’s designation of reggae as an intangible cultural heritage.
Reggae Sumfest brings together reggae legends with local and mainstream acts of other popular music genres that have originated on the island and broadly influenced the chart topping urban and pop hits of today. The star-studded line-up on Festival Nights 1 & 2 will include global reggae sensation Buju Banton, dancehall veterans Beenie Man and Bounty Killer, as well as Chronixx, Spice, Spragga Benz, Elephant Man, Protégé, Beres Hammond, and more.
This year the festival offers a seven-night line-up of events:
July 14 – Mornin’ Medz Brunch Party
July 15 – Street Dance Party
July 16 – All White Party
July 17 – Blitz All Black Party / Bunji Garlin’s Birthday Celebration
July 18 – Global Sound Clash
July 19 – Festival Night 1
July 20 – Festival Night 2
“It’s been a historic year for both tourist arrivals and Reggae music, and we are thrilled to host this premier music festival again,” noted Donovan White, Jamaica’s Director of Tourism. “Reggae Sumfest continues to add unprecedented value to Jamaica, the birthplace of the music genre, as it offers one of the most authentic cultural experiences on the island for locals and visitors alike.”
As one of the most viewed festivals in the world, Reggae Sumfest will be live streamed across broadcast and other platforms, taking Jamaican music, artists, and culture to every continent and country around the world. You can view at: www.reggaesumfest.com/coming-soon/
Montego Bay, Jamaica’s resort capital, boasts an array of accommodation options for Reggae Sumfest attendees:
Boutique: S Hotel, overlooking Jamaica’s famed Doctor’s Cave beach, is a new 120-room hotel artfully combining discrete urban sophistication and a laid-back resort lifestyle. In celebration of the recent grand opening, travelers can book at special introductory rates from $179 per day.
Luxury: Half Moon Resort, an iconic property which sits on 400 acres of tropical gardens and is bordered by two miles of beach, offers 10% off the best available rate for guests who book a minimum 4-night stay at least 14 days in advance. Rates start at $222.30 per night and include roundtrip airport transfers.
All-Inclusive: The all-inclusive Holiday Inn Resort Montego Bay offers a beachfront location, comfortable rooms and unlimited dining. Rates start at $216.60 per person.
Additional taxes, service charges, blackout dates and other restrictions may apply for hotel packages.
To purchase tickets to Reggae Sumfest, visit: www.ReggaeSumfest.com. For more information about Jamaica or planning your trip, visit: www.visitjamaica.com.
For details on upcoming special events, attractions and accommodations in Jamaica go to the JTB’s website at www.visitjamaica.com.
LA Lewis ready to answer Sumfest call
June 10, 2019
Dancehall artiste LA Lewis believes that his Sumfest debut is imminent and could happen as early as next year.
“Me and Joe (Bogdanovich) always have a good relationship and he’s always boosting me to go in the music business. Every year, Trillionaire Records and LA Lewis play our part in promoting Sumfest, but next year certainly, I’ll be booked for it,” he said. “This year we’re supporting Sumfest behind the scenes and on the ground but next year, we a run the stage. It’s going to be a star time when the ‘seven star general’ touch Sumfest stage. You know I’m incontestable so there’s nothing to contest wid me.”
The entertainer revealed that despite making strides in the music industry in recent times, he believes the timing wasn’t right for him to introduce himself to the Sumfest audience and so even if he was offered a spot, he would have declined.
He added that having laid a solid foundation over the past five years, he is now ready to put his 100 per cent behind solidifying his music career.
“Over the years, LA Lewis was always in the marketing side of the industry and the promotion side. I’m the guru, the god of social media, the street god. Me did a make me name in the streets and build mi ting a certain way before me come out there wid di artiste thing serious, serious,” he said. “My company Trillionaire Records is up fully now … so we’re heading into the music business fully now. We even have a new artiste name Shynetyme from MoBay that we’re working with, and we a work wid artiste like Lybran and the 6ix dem also.”
The artiste also congratulated Reggae Sumfest on its 27th anniversary, stating that as the birthplace of reggae, he is proud that Jamaica has managed to sustain a show of Sumfest’s magnitude for so long.
“Sumfest are the ones holding up the dancehall and the reggae music industry, not only in Jamaica, but the world. Everyone knows that Jamaica is the factory, so any time the factory bruk dung, the whole world a go bruk dung. Me affi thank Joe for carrying on this, and Mr (Johnny) Gourzong dem for holding it out over the years. The thing is on a next level now.”
Buju Banton Headlines List Of Top Artists For Reggae Sumfest
This July marks the 27th anniversary of Reggae Sumfest, Jamaica’s iconic music festival, set for Montego Bay from July 17-22, 2019. The star-studded line-up on Festival Nights 1 & 2 will include global reggae sensation Buju Banton, dancehall veterans Beenie Man and Bounty Killer, as well as Chronixx, Spice, Spragga Benz, Elephant Man, Protégé, Beres Hammond, and more.
This year the festival offers a 7-night line-up of events as follows:
July 14 – Mornin’ Medz Brunch Party
July 15 – Street Dance Party
July 16 – All White Party
July 17 – Blitz All Black Party / Bunji Garlin’s Birthday Celebration
July 18 – Global Sound Clash
July 19 – Festival Night 1
July 20 – Festival Night 2
To purchase tickets to Reggae Sumfest, visit: www.ReggaeSumfest.com.
Jamaica’s Iconic Music Festival, Reggae SumfesttReturns for 27th Year
By South Florida Caribbean News June 3, 2019
#ReggaeSumfest Brings Stellar Line-Up to #MontegoBay July 14-22, 2019
MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica – This summer marks the 27th anniversary of Reggae Sumfest, Jamaica’s iconic music festival, set for Montego Bay from July 14-22, 2019.
Organized by Downsound Entertainment and sponsored by the Jamaica Tourist Board, the premier music festival comes on the heels of UNESCO’s designation of reggae as an intangible cultural heritage.
Reggae Sumfest brings together reggae legends with local and mainstream acts of other popular music genres that have originated on the island and broadly influenced the chart topping urban and pop hits of today.
The star-studded line-up on Festival Nights 1 & 2 will include global reggae sensation Buju Official, dancehall veterans Beenie Man and #BountyKiller, as well as Chronixx, Spice, Spragga Benz, #Elephantman, Protoje, Beres Hammond, and more.
Jamaica’s Iconic Music Festival, Reggae Sumfest Returns for 27th YearReggae Sumfest 7-night line-up of events
July 14 – Mornin’ Medz Brunch Party
July 15 – Street Dance Party
July 16 – All White Party
July 17 – Blitz All Black Party / Bunji Garlinrlin’s Birthday Celebration
July 18 – Global Sound Clash
July 19 – Festival Night 1
July 20 – Festival Night 2
“It’s been a historic year for both tourist arrivals and Reggae music, and we are thrilled to host this premier music festival again,” noted Donovan White, Jamaica’s Director of Tourism. “Reggae Sumfest continues to add unprecedented value to Jamaica, the birthplace of the music genre, as it offers one of the most authentic cultural experiences on the island for locals and visitors alike.”
As one of the most viewed festivals in the world, Reggae Sumfest will be live streamed across broadcast and other platforms, taking Jamaican music, artists, and culture to every continent and country around the world.
Hotel Accommodations for Reggae Sumfest
Montego Bay, Jamaica’s resort capital, boasts an array of accommodation options for Reggae Sumfest attendees:
Boutique: S Hotel, overlooking Jamaica’s famed Doctor’s Cave beach, is a new 120-room hotel artfully combining discrete urban sophistication and a laid-back resort lifestyle. In celebration of the recent grand opening, travelers can book at special introductory rates from $179 per day.
Luxury: Half Moon Resort, an iconic property which sits on 400 acres of tropical gardens and is bordered by two miles of beach, offers 10% off the best available rate for guests who book a minimum 4-night stay at least 14 days in advance. Rates start at $222.30 per night and include roundtrip airport transfers.
All-Inclusive: The all-inclusive Holiday Inn Resort Montego Bay offers a beachfront location, comfortable rooms and unlimited dining. Rates start at $216.60 per person.
Additional taxes, service charges, blackout dates and other restrictions may apply for hotel packages.
Click here to purchase tickets to Reggae Sumfest, and for more information about Jamaica or planning your trip, click here.
https://sflcn.com/jamaica-iconic-music-festival-reggae-sumfest-returns-27th-year/
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The 6ix to close dancehall night at Sumfest
May 28, 2019
Less than a year since emerging as artistes to contend with, frontmen of the ‘6ix’ and other rural acts are slated to close Festival Night One at Reggae Sumfest on, July 19.
It will not only be a historic moment, as it will see young, meteoric, rural deejays culminating the most-anticipated night at the festival, but will also mark the performance debut of each act on the Sumfest stage.
St Ann-born Jahvillani and Montegonians Shane E and Unknown Gringo will be tasked with maintaining the morning crowd alongside 6ix members Squash (from Montego Bay) and St Thomas-native Chronic Law.
Show promoter Joe Bogdanovich is confident in their abilities to deliver.
“It’s gonna be what the girls like, and that is the 6ix,” he told THE STAR. “I think they’re gonna do well because they’ve got a lot of fans, they’ve got a lot of lyrics. They’re very confident in themselves and their abilities with the ladies, so it’s exciting, it’s young and it’s fresh.”
This mimics the ending of the first of two performance nights last year, where fast-rising Montegonian acts Teejay and Rygin King performed in tandem with Tommy Lee Sparta. Bogdanovich said the Second City is currently at the fore of “reincarnating the dancehall scene, which is very much needed,” influencing the decision to close with these particular acts.
KEEPING THE MUSIC ALIVE
“They all support one another, and it’s an example of unity which I love,” he said. “We want to keep the music alive and be the best that we can and represent Jamaica like no one else can, that’s what it is all about for me.”
Squash’s manager, Junior ‘Heavy D’ Fraser, commended the artistes for taking the reins to close the night, stating that many artistes often shy away from the task.
“It’s not an easy task, but dem guys deh mek everything look easy, so far, everywhere we go; dem nuh fear nutten, dem ready bad,” he said.
“This is rare for an artiste to perform at Sumfest for the first time and close it. It speaks to di power dem have inna music now, and me think the 6ix a go live up to it inna great style.
“Dem have social media on lock, and me see people stand up inna rain a wait for them to perform. You know Jamaican crowd nuh give nuh chance, so when yuh see dem a operate so wid artiste, yuh know seh a bare star,” Heavy D said.
For Unknown Gringo, gracing the Sumfest stage has been a childhood dream. Since embarking on a music career in 2016 (under the moniker NoFace Unknown), he said he has worked hard to earn this opportunity and looks forward to engaging fans.
“Sumfest was one of the stages I wanted to be on growing up, but nothing happens before its time, so I appreciate it and will step forward and do my best,” he started.
“I feel good to be part of the rural artistes closing the first night, the hard work I’ve been putting in is paying off now, so I’m just going to continue.”
Blessings A Flow deejay Shane E also sees this as another milestone in his career.
“This is a major move and fans can expect nothing but greatness, like what we always do. It’s gonna be an epic performance, a bang, I’m sure of that.”
Unfolding at the Catherine Hall Entertainment Complex in Montego Bay, the night will also see performances from artistes like Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, Govana, Shauna Chyn and Spice.
Reggae Sumfest seeks to boost festival experience
May 27, 2019
With less than two months to go, Reggae Sumfest principal Joe Bogdanovich is upping the promotional ante for the 27-year old event. Speaking to The STAR, the promoter said the capacity for its new section, the Golden Triangle, is being increased to host more than 50 patrons.
“It’s providing probably the best seats in the house, and will be offered for maybe US$100 ($J13,422)a night, available for Friday and Saturday,” he said. “We’re also increasing the capacity for the ultra VIP section and we’re working on another section that we’ll tell people about later. That is gonna be an experience for everyone that is affordable for every type of patron.
He attributed this expansion to a high demand for tickets, stating patrons from across the Diaspora have expressed their interest in attending the event. He noted that the most purchased ticket thus far is for festival night one (formerly known as Dancehall Night) which unfolds on July 19, featuring acts like Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, Govana and Dovey Magnum.
INTERNATIONAL CROWD
“Tickets are going very well, we’re actually getting good sales on Friday night and weekends,” he said. “Weekends are very popular tickets, people are liking what they are seeing there so it’s becoming a festival where you really have a weekend event. We’re expecting a big international crowd from Tallahassee, New York, Connecticut, Philadelphia, London, southern Florida. Fans and patrons have been saying they are coming in and we’ve been having our ads on radio stations across America, so we’re seeing the results.”
The festival will kick off with Mawnin Medz beach party, headlined by Stylo G and Skinny Fabulous at Tropical Beach, followed by the Street Dance at the Old Hospital Park on Jimmy Cliff Boulevard on Monday. An all-white party ensues on the 16th at Pier One, followed by the Blitz all-black birthday bash for soca star Bunji Garlin at the Hard Rock Cafe. The much-anticipated Global Sound Clash unfolds on Thursday at Pier One car park and precedes the two-day festival nights which closes with acts like Protoje, Buju Banton and Etana.
“Starting today we’re modifying our promotions and I think it’ll be very exciting and dynamic, you’ll see something new happening every day, on social media and other platforms,” Bogdanovich said.
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