By Brian Bonitto
Associate Editor —
REGGAE Sumfest has no plans to yank embattled dancehall act Alkaline from this year’s line-up, according to the show’s promoters.
Alkaline — who is billed to perform at Catherine Hall Entertainment Centre in Montego Bay on July 21 — has been the subject of fiery criticism from the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) for a lewd, gun-touting video titled After All.
“Alkaline was booked several months ago and there was no controversy with him at that time… He has been advertised all around the world. Thousands have booked and paid for airline tickets and have reservations, along with pre-online tickets for the show. To pull him from the line-up would be a breach of contract and have a very negative impact on the festival. As far as we know, Alkaline has done nothing illegal,” Josef Bogdanovich, chairman of Summerfest Promotions — organizers of Reggae Sumfest, told the Jamaica Observer yesterday.
On Sunday, it was reported that the police had launched a probe into the video, in which a woman appears to be performing a sexual act after removing what resembles a JCF uniform. The artist’s management and principals of Jay Will Films, makers of the video, have issued statements apologizing, saying there was “no ill-intent meant”.
Bogdanovich explained that the festival promotes the best of Jamaica’s music.
“Reggae Sumfest is the international premier reggae/dancehall festival in the world with an impeccable reputation in the last 25 years and we are positioned to make this celebration and landmark experience for all our visitors and local patrons,” he said.
Reggae Sumfest is not without controversy. In 2015, police prevented Gothic deejay Tommy Lee Sparta from taking the stage on Dancehall Night as he was restricted from performing in the Area One Police Division, which includes Trelawny, St James, Westmoreland and Hanover.
Reggae Sumfest kicks off on Sunday, July 16 with a beach party. It then moves into the Sumfest Sunset Yacht Party on July 17. The all-white party at Pier One is slated for July 18, followed by Sumfest Blitz on Wednesday, July 19. On July 20, Pier One will host the Sumfest Heavyweight Clash. The culmination of events will be at Catherine Hall on Friday, July 21 and Saturday, July 22.
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