From Dancehall and Reggae veterans like Capleton and Beres Homond to the island’s latest rising stars, Reggae Sumfest will be showcasing some of Jamaica’s best as well as American R&B great Babyface.
First staged in the summer of 1993, Reggae Sumfest has become one of the summer’s most anticipated annual events in Jamaica. The event’s first staging featured the likes of Bunny Wailer, Sugar Minott, Bounty Killer, Lady Saw, Chaka Demus and Pliers, and the Hip-Hop group Naughty by Nature.
Over more than two decades later, Sumfest has maintained its diverse lineup, offering its patrons the best across musical genres. This year, Sumfest will once again be returning to Catherine Hall in Montego Bay, with several events scheduled for music fans from July 14 to 20.
The highlight of the week will undoubtedly be Festival Nights 1 and 2. Sumfest organisers have slowly been unveiling their lineup of artistes, with beloved Reggae Lovers Rock singer Beres Hammond being the first to be confirmed last year. Beres Hammond is no stranger to the Sumfest stage and was a part of the event’s 2022 lineup.
Also confirmed last year was R&B legend Babyface, who last performed in Jamaica in 2010. With organisers choosing to focus on local talent over the past few years, the Never Keeping Secrets singer will be the first international act to perform at Sumfest since Jennifer Hudson and Yazz The Greatest in 2015.
Beres and Babyface will both be taking to the stage on Festival Night 2, July 20th. Following the reveal of their headliners, Sumfest has unveiled a host of Reggae and Dancehall artiste set to entertain patrons on Festival Nights 1 and 2.
Festival Night 1, July 9th, will feature a host of performances from Dancehall’s favourites, including Jada Kingdom, Malie Donn, 450, Kraff, Teejay, Pablo YG, Dexta Daps, Aidonia, Valiant, Munga Honorable, Marcy Chin, and Kaka Highflames.
Jada, 450, Aidona, Teejay, Pablo, Dexta, Munga, Valiant, and Marcy Chin will all be returning acts from 2023.
While Kraff will be making his debut, Malie Donn and Kaka Highlames have both made previous appearances at Sumfest as part of Roz Don and Teejay’s set last year, respectively. Night 1 will also feature performances from Reggae Veterans Capleton and Turbulence.
In addition to Beres Hammond and Babyface, Night 2 will also see performances from the likes of Luciano, Sevana, Anthony B, Nigy Boy, D’Yani, Norris Man, Christopher Ellis, and Ras-I. Nigy Boy and Sevana will be making their debuts at this year’s show.
Night 2 will also feature performances from artistes Sumfest organisers have dubbed their “80/90s Gold Skool” lineup which will see Peter Metro, Daddy Lizard, Wickerman, and Anthony Malvo take to the stage.