MONTEGO BAY, St James — One of Jamaica’s most electrifying music festivals is poised to make history this summer as the 32nd staging of Reggae Sumfest will officially crown dancehall superstar Vybz Kartel as the new “King of the Dancehall”.
The announcement was made on Wednesday night by Josef Bogdanovich, CEO of Downsound Entertainment, during the official Sumfest 2025 launch held at the Iberostar Hotel in Montego Bay.
“We are also crowning Vybz Kartel, that’s a big deal!” Bogdanovich exclaimed, drawing cheers from those in attendance. The move marks a symbolic passing of the crown, previously bestowed upon Beenie Man at the 2009 staging of the festival.
“Kings come and go. They can’t be a king all the time,” Bogdanovich declared, emphasizing the evolving nature of music and royalty in dancehall culture.
This year’s Reggae Sumfest runs from July 13 to 19, with seven major events culminating in two blockbuster concert nights at the Catherine Hall Entertainment Complex. The lineup features a powerful mix of local and international talent, including Toni Braxton, Tarrus Riley, Masicka, Protoje, Tommy Lee Sparta, and of course, Vybz Kartel himself.
In her message delivered by Minister Homer Davis, Culture and Entertainment Minister Olivia “Babsy” Grange hailed Reggae Sumfest as a beacon of Jamaica’s cultural identity. “It has been a celebration of our identity, a showcase of our talent, and a powerful reminder of the impact Jamaican music has had on the world,” the statement read.
Echoing that sentiment, Director of Tourism Donovan White called Sumfest “our cultural North Star,” stating it embodies the “essence of our people, the pulse of our culture, and the spirit of our national identity.”
The night also paid tribute to the late Robert “Ducksie” Russell, a co-founder of the festival who passed away in December 2024 at age 76. Bogdanovich reflected on Russell’s legacy, calling him “a cultural visionary” whose influence continues to shape Sumfest today.
To cap off the evening, the launch event featured live performances from popular dancehall artists Laden, Bugle, and Montego Bay native Tommy Lee Sparta, setting the stage for what promises to be a historic edition of the Caribbean’s premier music festival.
As anticipation builds, all eyes now turn to Montego Bay this July, where music, culture, and history will collide in what organizers promise will be a week-long celebration like no other.
Advertise with McKoy’s News!
🚀 Boost Your Business with McKoy’s News! 🚀
Let us help you grow your brand with our comprehensive advertising solutions:
Create Your Own Business Page:
Showcase your business with a personalized page on McKoy’s News. Highlight your products or services with multiple photos, contact information, and detailed descriptions.
Engaging Banner Ads:
Capture attention with visually stunning banner ads that promote your brand across our website, reaching a large audience with every click.
Dynamic Video Ads:
Tell your story with impactful video advertisements, designed to engage viewers and drive traffic to your business.
Feature Articles:
Gain credibility and visibility with feature articles on McKoy’s News. Share your success stories, latest offerings, and expert insights with our readers.
Ready to Elevate Your Business?
Contact us today and let McKoy’s News be your partner in success.
