Summer is hot! Burna Boy chilling in Jamaica and Reggae Sumfest has begun
Published:Monday | July 17, 2023 | 12:07 AMYasmine Peru/Senior Gleaner Writer
African giant, Burna Boy, arrived in the island early last week as part of his ongoing birthday celebrations, which started on July 2 and surprised fans at popular weekly dance Weddy Weddy Wednesdays, where he was a hit. However, he had left many disappointed when he didn’t show up as expected to Uptown Mondays two nights previously.
Of note is that one of his fans who had wanted to meet him at Uptown Mondays, Andre Coleman, had his wish granted at Weddy, where Burna Boy ignited the place when he walked up to the turntables and was enthusiastically given the mic by the Stone Love selectors. Smiling ear-to-ear, he told fans, “Jamaica is my second home and right now we are just vibing like I’m in my living room … riddim!”
Coleman, who didn’t see Burna Boy when he performed at the stadium last December, was overjoyed. “Burna Boy was walking past me and I called to him and he looked at me and showed that he saw me. I didn’t know that Burna Boy was going to be at Weddy, but I am a regular so I was there. I saw him up close and he even performed, so it was good, even though I didn’t get to talk to him,” Coleman said.
Burna Boy, who is currently staying at the Rio Chico resort in St Ann with family and members of his entourage, threw a big party at Pearly Beach last Friday night. There were supposed to have been 80 people on the guest list, but by the looks of things, it exceeded that. The dancehall fraternity showed up and artistes, as well as their managers and producers and other celebrities, were marked present. Among those who actually took to the stage were Beenie Man, Tommy Lee Sparta, Teejay, Skeng, La Lee and even Asafa Powell who showed off his dancing skills.
Word is that Burna Boy could extend his stay by two days. So will Uptown Mondays be on his list of things to do this week?
Reggae Sumfest is this year celebrating 30 years and is scheduled for July 16 - 22 in Montego Bay. The party kicked off on Sunday with a Family Funday Community Fest and tonight will see the return of the Street Dance. Sumfest organisers are reminding that all roads lead to Old Hospital Park, Montego Bay where Banka & Pappi from Della Soul Sound, Johnny Kool, Dexta Peppa and Crazy Chris will keep the party lit. I Waata will perform and fans are exhorted to “grab yuh queen and lef di machine”.
The week of activities round out with an All White Blitz party, a Sound System Explosion, Beach Party and the main concerts on Friday and Saturday.
And, for those who are interested, party loans seem to have become a staple these days and E-loan is offering a Sumfest loan of between $50,000 and $550,000.