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| Grammy award-winning singer and songwriter Miguel to perform at this year's Reggae Sumfest in Jamaica |
Thousands of Reggae music lovers will converge on Jamaica’s tourist capital Montego Bay, for the annual staging of Reggae Sumfest. Now in its 21st year, this popular musical festival to be held July 21-27, has attracted a star studded line up of Jamaican Reggae and dancehall acts, with headliners Grammy award winning singer and songwriter Miguel and rapper Flo Rida.
Flo Rida will share the stage with Jamaican greats Beres Hammond and Barrington Levy on Friday, July 26. For the festival’s closing night on Saturday, July 27, Miguel will join fellow Grammy award-winning artist Damian"‘Jr. Gong" Marley along with chart-topping Jamaican Reggae performers Romain Virgo and Chronixx.
Miguel and Flo Rida join a growing list of US-based singers who have performed at the event. Past headliners have included Usher, Chris Brown, Nicki Minaj, Trey Songz, R. Kelly, T-Pain and Ne-Yo.
“People from around the world love reggae music,” said John Lynch, Jamaica’s director of tourism, in a written release. “For many of them Reggae was their introduction to the Jamaican culture. There are many countries that have embraced the music and are now forming reggae groups in their respective homelands. We welcome the proliferation of our music, but nothing compares to experiencing a reggae festival in Jamaica, the birthplace of this genre. You really do have to experience it at least once in your lifetime.”
The weeklong festival which will take place at Catherine Hall in Montego Bay, kicks off with a beach party on July 21. The popular Dancehall Night takes place on July 25 with International Nights 1 and 2, slated for July 26 – 27.
Additionally, home grown international acts booked for this year’s staging of Reggae Sumfest include Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, Lady Saw, Tarrus Riley, Chalice and I-Octane, to name a few.
For those traveling to Jamaica for the festival, below is a sampling of special Reggae Sumfest packages being offered at some resorts in Montego Bay.
Half Moon, A Rock Resort
Visitors to Half Moon who book a four-night stay get the fourth night free plus $150 resort credit. Rates start at $279 per night based on double occupancy. Government tax, service charge and resort fees apply. Or stay for three-nights on its meals and drinks inclusive offer starting from only $449 per night (double occupancy), plus tax and service charge. Visit www.halfmoon.rockresorts.com.
Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort
Holiday Inn SunSpree is offering all-inclusive Sumfest packages valid for a minimum stay of three nights, subject to availability. Rates are $234 per night, based on double occupancy and guests have to be checked in by July 25. Visit www.holidayinn.com.
Richmond Hill Inn
Richmond Hill Inn is offering rooms starting at $150 per night, based on double occupancy. Taxes and service charges are not included. Visit www.richmond-hill-inn.com.
Round Hill Hotel & Villas
Travelers who book a minimum stay of three nights receive one ticket for the popular Dancehall Night. Rates start at $199 per night for an oceanfront Pineapple Room. Offer also includes free Wi-Fi, water sports, use of the fitness center and a shuttle bus for shopping. The travel dates must be July 21 – 31. A Sumfest ticket will be issued to the client at check-in. Visit www.roundhill.com.
Visit www.visitjamaica.com.