Following great performances from Tanya Stephens, Richie Spice, Ras-I, and show-closer Capleton on Night 1, Reggae Sunsplash brings the curtains down on its two-day virtual music fest tonight. The festival was streamed live on YouTube and across the Reggae Sunsplash social media pages at @goreggaesunsplash, starting at 5:30 pm.
Jesse Royal, Romain Virgo, Agent Sasco, and Masicka took control of the virtual Sunsplash stage which saw ‘Di Owna’ Dexta Daps sealing the event. “Mi a guh mash it up,” was his confident statement in the Sunsplash ad.
According to producer Debbie Bissoon: “From the reception we’ve received, the Reggae Sunsplash audience is happy and expecting a great show. We have a good mix of artistes who represent reggae’s foundation and those who will continue the legacy of Jamaica’s music”.
Reggae Sunsplash, the blueprint for reggae festivals worldwide, was first held by promoters Synergy at Jarrett Park in Montego Bay, St James, June 23-30, 1978. The last staging was August 3-6, 2006, at Richmond Estate in Priory, St Ann.
This weekend’s Reggae Sunsplash, within the confines of a virtual setting, may not be the triumphant return that organisers and fans had envisioned after a too-long 14-year absence. Still, many are happy, nonetheless, that the festival is embracing the new normal.
Tyrone Wilson, executive producer of Reggae Sunsplash, noted: “We are grateful to still be able to offer the Reggae Sunsplash experience to the world. With the global pandemic, we have had to make some adjustments, but 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.”
Digital and creative institute iCreate is managing this year’s staging of the event.