By Yasmine Peru – STAR Writer—

Romain Virgo—

The management team of reggae singer Tarrus Riley has indicated that the failure of Reggae Sumfest to honor their obligations is the reason for the artiste pulling out of this year’s festival. However, Sumfest organizer Joe Bogdanovich is adamant that he has not broken any contractual agreements.

“I don’t break contracts, I honour them,” Bogdanovich told The STAR.

The Downsound Entertainment CEO, who was in very good spirits, would not elaborate on the reason for the breakdown, which has seen Riley turning his back on the festival for which he has been heavily advertised. Bogdanovich said, however, that he has worked with Tarrus Riley and his team in the past without any issues.

“I have done periodic work with Tarrus and it has always been very good and productive. All I will say is that I wish them all the best,” the festival organizer said.

And, as a way of perhaps showing that he had not slammed the door on the artiste, Bogdanovich stated, “I look forward to working with Tarrus and his team in the future.”

NOT ABOUT MONEY

In a release sent to the media on Saturday, Riley’s management team specifically stated that their artiste pulling out of Reggae Sumfest had “nothing to do with money”. But they did not explain exactly what contractual obligation had not been honored by the Reggae Sumfest organizers.

“We regrettably announce that Tarrus Riley will not be at Reggae Sumfest 2019, due to failure of the festival honoring their obligations as agreed upon by both parties. We want to make clear that this has nothing to do with money, but everything to do with honoring and upholding an agreement which plays a vital role in elevating Jamaican music and a brand after so many years of hard work,” the release said in part.

It concluded, “This is still our music, our culture and will continue to be our festival. Keep the fire burning and continue to be strong and never stop believing in yourself.”

Meanwhile, Bogdanovich has revealed that another reggae singer has since been added to the Reggae Sumfest line-up.

“We now have Romain Virgo on the festival. I wouldn’t say he is replacing Tarrus Riley, it’s better to say that he is the newest addition. And we are in discussion with a Grammy-nominated female artiste as well. She is eager to perform and we are hoping that everything works out,” Bogdanovich said.