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Star studded int'l nights for Sumfest Reggae Sumfest artistes endorse positive music Usher promises a special fare for Reggae Sumfest

Etana

Lymie Murray

Reggae Sumfest artistes endorse positive music

The music fraternity is rallying around the sentiments expressed recently by Johnny Gourzong, producer of the Reggae Sumfest festival.

Gourzong had stated that based on all the recent happenings within the local music industry, now was an appropriate time for the industry to show its best side by putting out more positive music.

"Right now is one of the best opportunities we as Jamaicans have to turn things around for the better," he said. "There have been a lot of negative reports surrounding our music since the start of the year and about our country in the past month. It is time for us to combat this negativity by showcasing all the best that reggae music has to offer, and the Reggae Sumfest stage provides that opportunity," he added.

Deejay Kiprich, who is slated to perform on Reggae Sumfest Dancehall Night, Thursday, July 22, is in full support of Gourzong's position.

"I support his statement 100 per cent because with the state the country is in, and the negative vibes being pushed towards the country and the music," Kiprich commented. "It's only things like this can bring a different outlook, so I am with that."

Singer Tarrus Riley, who performs on Reggae Sumfest International Night 2, Saturday, July 24, also supports the view.

"I agree with the statements wholeheartedly and I am playing my part in that position, by making certain music," he stated. Tarrus added that often the positive music is already in rotation, but it is not highlighted as much as the negative. He declared that for his part, and for the upcoming Reggae Sumfest, he will be putting his best conscious music forward. "I will definitely be making sure my music is something that can uplift the people and make them more aware, so I agree with it," added Riley.

Reggae crooner Lymie Murray also echoed the sentiments of the Reggae Sumfest boss, asserting that the time is also ripe for the artistes to put out their best music.

music of positivity

"The music that the world has got used to and has accepted, is the music of positivity that speaks for the oppressed people, and we describe it as the heartbeat of the people," he stated.

"An opportunity like Reggae Sumfest is a chance for more of us to showcase the root and what inspired Sumfest in the first place ... we need to get back to the brand reggae, the reggae that branded Jamaica in the first place. We need to revisit the root."

Singer Etana, who performs on International Night 1 on Friday, July 23, also agrees with the comments by Gourzong, and thinks local acts are more than capable of creating powerful music.

"I believe so, because music, as I have said before, is very powerful, maybe even more powerful than the Government. Reggae Sumfest is one of the events that people travel from all over the world to see and it does well for Jamaica's economy; we have lots to show," she remarked.

Etana added that she actually believes that the music has been changing for the better, based on recent trends.

"For even dancehall we have made some changes as far as cleaning up the music is concerned, the whole war vibes have changed and the war vibes in the schools have changed, and the war vibes in the streets have changed. So for a major event like Reggae Sumfest I'm very excited to be a part of it and on the positive side of it."

hospitalityjamaica@ gleanerjm.com