Bogdanovich is delighted that the major acts are already determined for 2019. “Having our programme in place so well in advance of the festival allows us to maximise our marketing locally and overseas. With our stellar line-up we believe we will pull in our largest audience ever. We are particularly excited at having Buju Banton on the 2019 Reggae Sumfest Stage. As the largest reggae showcase in the world, we view his performance at Sumfest as an integral aspect of his welcome home and another opportunity for his legion fans to see him. All our performers are icons in the music business and we are happy to have them on the Sumfest stage for 2019.” The Sumfest boss added that the marketing efforts are in the final planning stages and will soon be launched through a vibrant social media programme supported by an islandwide network of digital boards, fliers and other collateral material. He said that 2019 is seeing an unprecedented overseas push as the Reggae Sumfest Team, in collaboration with the Jamaica Tourist Board, will host launches in Port of Spain, and New York. “We are looking forward to our first launch in the Caribbean. We are encouraged by the increasing collaboration among our musicians as well as the growth in patrons moving among the territories in the region to enjoy our respective offerings. We have seen increased travel from these areas to Sumfest and feel it is fitting to engage those markets at the earliest opportunity.”

Robert Livingston, Reggae Sumfest director paid tribute to the sponsors who are integral to the sustainability of the festival. “We couldn’t achieve this without our sponsors who have provided guidance and support. We thank them for their support and look forward to working closely with them as we continue to grow the festival and the brand for the benefit of the music, the city of Montego Bay and Jamaica. This year we welcome Caribbean Airlines, our presenting sponsor for 2019, as well as Flow, Supreme Ventures, Red Bull, Wray and Nephew, Avis Car Rental, Iprint/NOA, G.H. Mumm and thank traditional sponsors Red Stripe, Jamaica Tourist Board, Pepsi and hotel partners Iberostar, Secrets, Hilton Rose Hall, Round Hill, Holiday Inn and Deja for their continued support.” Mastercard is back on board for the second year, and so is Salada, NCB and Grace Foods.

The 2019 festival is a departure from tradition as it kicks off in Kingston with the hosting of the Sumfest Symposium on the weekend of 6 July. The Festival moves to Montego Bay on Sunday, July 14 with Mawning Medz at Tropical Bliss Beach and continues with the Street Dance at the Hospital Park on Monday July 15, All-White Party at Pier One on Tuesday July 16, Blitz at Hard Rock on Wednesday July 17 and the exciting Sumfest Sound Clash at the Pier 1 Car Park on Thursday July 18. Festival Nights One and Two will take place at the historic Catherine Hall venue on Friday July 19 and Saturday July 20.

Patrons can access updates on the line-up, tickets and events on the official website www.reggaesumfest.com.

CONTACTS:

Maxine McDonnough: Tel: 876-833-6447: mmcdonnough@msn.com

Kamau Janai: Tel: 876-857-0903: kamaujanai@gmail.com