CHRIS BROWN IS OUT, YAZZ IS IN, FOR REGGAE SUMFEST 2015!

EFFORTS made to get American R&B singer Chris Brown for a return to the Reggae Sumfest stage for a second time fell through, according to organizers.

The annual summer festival is scheduled for the Catherine Hall Entertainment Complex in Montego Bay, St James, July 12 – 18.

“We were actually negotiating with Chris Brown to come back this year, but he landed an Australian tour that clashed with our dates. We would love to repeat acts like Rihanna or Beyoncé, but regrettably their current fees are way outside of the festival’s budget,” said Johnny Gourzong, executive director of Summerfest Productions, event organisers.

Brown performed on the Sumfest stage in 2010.

Akon and Ja Rule have been repeat acts at Reggae Sumfest.

“There is no shortage of acts interested in performing for a Jamaican audience. There is no doubt, however, that it is getting harder to land acts given rising performance fees, coupled with the continued devaluation of the Jamaican dollar,” he continued.

He was, however, pleased to announce the inclusion of American hip-hop act Yazz in this year’s line-up.

The 21-year-old rapper, who became known to Jamaicans for his role as Hakeem on the hit television series Empire, will take the stage on Friday, July 17.

“Summerfest is committed to the development of music in this hemisphere and believes that young artists must have a platform to showcase their talents. The Sumfest stage has been the platform for many young acts and we are happy to confirm that Yazz will be one of those at the 2015 staging,” Gourzong announced.

Born Bryshere Gray, Yazz started rapping at 16, after being injured playing football for Overbrook High School in Philadelphia.

During his recovery, he spent his time studying music. In 2011, he released his first music video for his single Ransom, which earned him a place as one of the city’s top young artistes.

Although he is yet to release his debut album, Yazz has been making a buzz with tours and appearances at music festivals, including Jay Z’s Made in America Festival.