Reggae Sunsplash will be virtual this year, for obvious reasons. If you have been living under a rock with a face mask, then let me remind you that it is the pandemic year.
Reggae Sunsplash, the island’s original multiple-day music festival, will be staged virtually on November 27 and 28.
In a statement released to the media, executive producer of Reggae Sunsplash Tyrone Wilson noted that his organisation was grateful to still be able to offer the Reggae Sunsplash experience to the world despite the pandemic.
“We hope that through this unique performance package that we have created, fans of Reggae Sunsplash all over the world will be able to enjoy. This is a historical and iconic brand that helped to birth Jamaica’s Music Festival Economy. Our main aim at iCreate is to aid in the development of the digital and creative economies and this festival will be reintroduced to Jamaica and the world at a critical juncture,” said Wilson.
Reggae Sunsplash was first held by promoters Synergy at Jarrett Park in Montego Bay, St James, on June 23-30 in 1978. It was last held August 3-6, 2006 at Richmond Estate in Priory, St Ann.
Wilson and his team announced last year the decision to remount the popular festival. However, in May of this year they announced that following consultation with the related parties they were forced to announce a cancellation of the event which was set for November 6-8 at the Grizzly’s Plantation Cove in Priory, St Ann.
Director of Tourism for Jamaica Donovan White noted that there is a cadre of fans who are excited at the return of this festival.
“The JTB recognises the value of reggae music as a larger than life pull for visitors across the globe and look forward to this 2020 staging as an opportunity to showcase Jamaica and Jamaican talent.”
Waldemar Cordero, head of Caribbean and Central America Marketing, for Visa shared that the virtual staging presented a great opportunity to reach his audience
“We know our consumers’ preferences across Jamaica and the region continue to shift, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic — which is why we are excited to be working with Reggae Sunsplash to provide a unique digital viewing experience for such an iconic brand. We look to connect people’s interests with benefits that are as unique as their DNA. Reggae Sunsplash is the perfect platform to bring this idea to life with the various viewing experiences being planned by the team.”
And finally, this might be a mighty tribute to one Dennis Brown – the crowned Prince of Reggae!