By Janet Silvera—-
Gyal a Gimme Bun artist I-Octane will close Reggae Sumfest’s much-anticipated 2013 Dancehall Night, a job Beenie Man has had for 15 of the last 20 years.
Known for integrating positive and socially conscious subject matter into his music, drawing inspiration from personal experiences and Rastafarian teachings, I-Octane agreed to take the spot many other artists shy from, says Summerfest Production’s Executive Director Johnny Gourzong.
Gourzong was speaking at the launch of the 21st-anniversary event at the Iberostar Suites in Montego Bay on Tuesday night, exactly one week and five days ahead of the July 21-27 international reggae festival.
According to him, Beenie Man, who has been a staple on the festival, relinquished the position. Dancehall fans have become accustomed to staying awake with the ‘doctor’ while he prescribes lyrical medicine into the early hours of the morning. Other acts who have closed dancehall night include Vybz Kartel and Elephant Man.
“Beenie is getting his wish, with I-Octane stepping forward,” stated the Summerfest Productions executive.
COMING OF AGE
Another big name touted at the launch was one of the success stories of the ’80s, Barrington ‘Too Experienced’ Levy, who has not graced the Reggae Sumfest stage in 12 years.
Reggae Sumfest’s coming of age is not being allowed to go unnoticed, and its major sponsors, such as the Digicel Group and Pepsi, have announced a raft of promotions, including innovative technology they plan to unveil at the event, which kicks off with a beach party on July 21 at the Aquasol Theme Park in the tourism capital.
“We are launching a social-media campaign to complement the festival, and patrons attending the festival will get an opportunity to win our new Samsung Galaxy S4 and BlackBerry Q10,” said Digicel’s Tahnida Nunes.
In addition, Pepsi says it is using the festival to further implement exciting elements of its Live for Now campaign. Live for Now reflects the insight that Pepsi fans all around the world desire to capture the excitement of now – “a mindset that is aligned at the very core of the brand’s DNA,” said Pepsi’s Wayne Lobban.
Summerfest Productions has also partnered with the St James Parish Council and its event, ‘MoBay Night Out’. This will take place on Monday, July 22, on the Hip Strip, Gloucester Avenue. On Tuesday, the excitement moves to Pier One.
From July 25 to 27, the Catherine Hall Complex comes alive with the likes of Jah Cure, Chronixx, Romain Virgo, Lady Saw, Spice, and the young R&B prince, Miguel.
janet.silvera@gleanerjm.com
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