Reggae Sumfest 2023: The Review
Written by adminVibe on July 28, 2023
(Reggaevibemedia.com) – The massive event looked like 30 years of success for Reggae Sumfest. First thing, I’m going to just make everyone understand the truth, Reggae Sumfest is the top show in Jamaica, no doubt. With that said I must point out the worst thing about this years event. The emphasis on the stage time was a little overboard. I totally understand the reason why there was such a strict emphasis on time. Based on the what the artist experienced at Rebel Salute in the past due to poor time management the Sumfest team made sure that wasn’t a problem for their 30th staging of the event.
For Sumfest I can see those in charge making sure Freddie McGregor got all the time he needed for his performance. For everyone else they should have used their time wisely because it’s not all about yourself. Sumfest has to respect everyone’s time, from the time Government allowed for the show to happen, down to the clean up the crew that has to have their time to do what they do before the next cycle. So for all the artist that had a problem with the clock, don’t be so self centered! When you have your platform the focus is all on you, and it’s your time, but even then your still on a timer subjective to how long people are going to give you their listening ear. It’s also up to the venue how long they will allow you to feature your talents before they shut it down. Now that the worst is out the way it’s time for the goodness that was #Sumfest2023! Like many others around the world, our team took in the show from the live stream which was 100% free, THANK YOU! That alone may have drawn in some potential visitors to the island that wouldn’t have necessarily been thinking Jamaica. That’s a story within itself, so crusing right into the performances, Jo Archer from Trinidad and Tobago did a great job setting the early vibes. Jahfrican with his African, Jamaican style represented very well for the #ReggaeSumfest2023 patrons that came out early! Big artist!
International Night Tribute to King Jammy’s was HISTORIC! When I seen Aza Lineage forward pon the Far East Riddim, during Tribute to King Jammy’s, that’s when I knew her career is truly rising like I’ve already testified since I first heard her song “Sound System”. The line up for that was historic. I was wondering is something going on with Lt. Stitchie? He seemed to be experiencing some health issues. The original Bandelero Pinchers kicked off the session, followed by the everlasting voice of Leroy Sibbles, Bunny General dropped some serious style, Admiral Bailey gave the crowd some laughs with his very entertaining lyrics, Chuck Turner came in to sing for the ladies, and Chaka Demus touched the stage with his smooth attitude he’s always been known for. The kIng Jammy himself came foorward and received his award from Reggae Sumfest, and Caribbean Airlines.
One of my favorite artist Richie Spice blessed up the #ReggaeSumfest2023 patrons with some of his biggest tunes out of his extensive catalog of hits. His performance was spiritually uplifting. Richie Spice had something to say about the stage time also. It didn’t deter him from delivering a quality performance. It was a joyful experience hearing Richie Spice sing Lionel Richie’s smash hit “All Night Long” in his own style.
My artist to watch D’Yani was well dressed in full black, and niced up #ReggaeSumfest2023. If you don’t know that youth get used to him because he’s talented and seriously rising in the business! D’Yani also used a quick moment to pay some respect for Ms.Kemp the longtime manager for Capleton who passed away recently. Overall I love how D’Yani is bringing forth his music for the younger generation. D’Yani brought out Jada Kingdom aka “Twinkle” to perform their song “Feelings” and the crowd turned up another notch. Her outfit didn’t leave anything to the imagination when it came to her ass. The chat on the live stream was on fire! Once again the time police’s strict time constrictions inside #ReggaeSumfest2023 came in to enforce the time laws, and cut Jada Kingdom abruptly.
Tanya Stephens was ready for the #ReggaeSumfest2023 patrons still packing the place. She shared that she must be on her best behavior this year. So she’s working hard to keep it clean as possible. I don’t know how many of you caught the slick statement she used when she stated, since she can’t use any bad words, she’s going to have to give you all the offensive material in the “Queens Vernacular”. When I heard her say that I was curious to find out what the term meant. Upon further investigation I discovered it’s described as gay slang. After Sumfest Tanya says that her original slot for her performance was 45 minutes, but she learned on the night of her performance that it was slashed by 15 minutes down to 30 minutes. Because of that, and more that happened behind the scenes she has vowed never to perform for Reggae Sumfest again.
The great big belly Sky Juice flattened the place right before introducing the Big Ship family Chino, Stephen, and their father Freddie McGregor returning back to the stage after battling back from a stroke. A+ Effort for Freddie McGregor! I can hear his voice coming back to him during his performance. The crowd energized him for sure! It was truly a very emotional experience, we were all feeling good to see the “Big Ship” giving his all to do what he loves. With well known hits like Freddie McGregor has, he had lots of help from the #ReggaeSumfest2023 crowd. They sang every song word, for word right along with him. Our thoughts and prayers are with Freddie, his whole team, and family as they continue to journey back to 100% health for Freddie McGregor.
The Royal Family of Reggae music out of St.Thomas Jamaica, Morgan Heritage put together a solid performance! They featured the songs that made them who they are. That moment will be inducted into one of Sumfest’s top performances ever. Speaking of that, massive flashbacks featured throughout the show! Wow!
When it comes to Romain Virgo he’s everything a Reggae lover could ask for. Top class A1 performance. Simple! Now on to Kabaka Pyramid, if you know, or didn’t know back in March 2013 when Valiant released the controversial song “Rasta” many Rastafarians including Kabaka had something to say in regards to the negative portrayal of Rasta in the song. The response to Kabaka was “Rasta artiste dem nowadays lose dem militancy certain way. It seems Rasta artiste dem today more commercial than anything else”.
U a real disappointment bredda.
U a dash roun words like “militancy” an “commercial” wid no sense of reality. I muss bun out everything i see publicly an then do have no career to feed my people dem.
What militant mean? Me fi a shoot ppl an not do music videos or win Grammys? https://t.co/ntVVSIt9BT— The Kalling (@Kabakapyramid) March 13, 2023
Like any another artist may choose to do, Kabaka choose to respond through his musical performance. He brought a certain vengeance, and burned a serious musical fire as the sun started to rise on Sumfest 2023! Grammy award winning performance.
Early Sunday morning it was time for one of the most anticipated acts for #ReggaeSumfest2023. Minister Marion Hall came on stage Bible in hand, with the force ready to trample the demons, and the unclean spirits! Her outfit full Green, looked like something that was designed by the JDF (Jamaica Defense Force). She buss ah shot on the Prime Minister of Jamaica stating, Andrew Holness need some Holiness because right now Jamaica inna mess, from Mo Bay to St.Elizabeth. The minister seemed very sincere in her unorthadox delivery of her message. She gave away Bibles, and tried to draw in as many patrons closer to the lord as she possibly could through her messages, and her music. Powerful performance! She was awarded at the end of her performance by radio DJ Big “A” with the living legend award sponsored by Red Stripe.
Minister Marion Hall didn’t have on her Gucci dress she mentions in her song “I’m doing better” but she did have on some designer Gucci Boots. For those who fashion Gucci check out these Gucci sunglasses fresh for the summer.
The art around the entire event, and the video graphics were excellent! Another spectacular production. For those who noticed I didn’t mention Dancehall night there’s a reason for that. Stay tuned!
