After two years behind bars, one of dancehall’s more controversial figures, Ninja Man, has found himself among a line-up of stars for Reggae Sumfest’s dancehall night.

The event’s organisers, who are celebrating Sumfest’s 20th year, have finalised a dynamic line-up for Thursday, July 19th’s Dancehall Night in Catherine Hall, Montego Bay.

This year’s tagline ‘Looking Back, Moving Forward’, suggests the night will have a mix of veterans and younger artists. Patrons can decide where Ninja Man lies.

Ninja Man will join Beenie Man, I-Octane, Cham, Konshens, Popcaan, Assassin, Aidonia, KipRich, Tommy Lee, Spice, Khago, Tifa, Jahvinci, Baby Tash, Specialist, Potential Kid and Zamunda.

Tremendous hit

Cham, who also represents older artists has spent much of the last few years of his career overseas and is only now making a return to the marketplace that brought him success. His presence is highly anticipated.

Last Sumfest, Dancehall Night proved to be a tremendous hit and the 2012 line-up suggests it could hit again.

The show dubbed, ‘The Greatest Reggae Show on Earth’, will celebrate Jamaica’s 50th year of Independence with a musical journey through the decades.

Apart from that, Sumfest’s two other nights, International Night 1 (Friday, July 20) and International Night II (Saturday, July 21) also have much in store.

On the first of the international nights, Shabba Ranks makes a long-awaited return to a Jamaican stage. Another headliner, Trey Songz, also promises much on the night.

International Night II is just as interesting, as R Kelly, who was to have made the trip to Reggae Sumfest last year but fell ill, will be attempting to make amends.

Sumfest activities actually begin as early as the Sunday before with a beach party, which is usually well attended by Montegonians. This year, the beach party will be followed by a Sound Clash night on Tuesday, July 17.

Reggae Sumfest is sponsored by Digicel, Red Stripe, Iberostar, JamaicaTourist Board, The Gleaner Company Ltd and Pepsi.