Dancehall Night’s closing act still a secret
Mere hours before the anticipated dancehall night of Reggae Sumfest, the organisers have opted to keep the name of the dancehall artiste who will be closing the show close to their chests.
Reggae Sumfest has been consistent with having some of the best entertainers bring the curtain down, including, I-Octane in 2013, Lady Saw in 2015, and Tommy Lee Sparta last year.
In the early promotional phases, Joe Bogdanovich, CEO of Downsound Records and owner of the Reggae Sumfest brand, had mentioned the possibility of having dancehall artiste Spice close the show, but it was never confirmed.
With a line-up of hitmakers like Spice, Masicka, Popcaan, Bounty Killer, Aidonia and Ding Dong, there has been much speculation among fans as to who will be closing the show.
Speaking with THE WEEKEND STAR on the reason for keeping it a secret, Reggae Sumfest’s Robert Russell expressed that it is only a tactic and means of keeping the patrons on their toes this year.
“It is a new and innovative way to close the show. It will be announced on the night during the show,” said Russell.
The question has also been raised as to the reason for adding Sizzla Kalonji to the dancehall night — having given a stellar close to last year’s Reggae Night. The Dry Cry artiste has been categorised globally as a leading reggae entertainer, it was expected that he would be a fitting addition to night two’s diverse line-up.
However, Russell said: “Dancehall Night should be one with lots of excitement, and the team is hoping that keeping everything as a surprise will add to the entire atmosphere for the show.”
He added that, as usual, acts such as Bounty Killer, Tommy Lee Sparta and Sizzla should not be too early in the show, but he was not at liberty to give their actual performance times.