Sumfest apologises for performer no-shows on Night One
Published:Saturday | July 20, 2024 | 8:33 PM
Reggae Sumfest organisers have apologised for the absence of four advertised performers during Festival Night One.
Though billed and advertised to perform – Marcy Chin, Kraff, Jada Kingdom, and Valiant – did not appear on stage on Friday.
In a statement, released on Saturday, the organisers said "unforeseen issues prevented Jada Kingdom, Valiant and Marcy Chin from making their scheduled appearance on Festival Night 1". It did not state the issues.
They further noted that "Kraff, unfortunately, had an unavoidable emergency", adding that the artiste is eagerly looking forward to performing for his fans at the next staging of Reggae Sumfest.
Acknowledging the disappointment for those who travelled from various locations to see the full line-up, the organisers expressed regret specifically to "patrons and sponsors".
'DANCEHALL NIGHT' FULL OF SURPRISES
Unofficially maintaining the moniker of Dancehall Night, Festival Night One saw Capleton, Aidonia, Dexta Daps, Teejay, 450, Pablo YG, Turbulence, Munga Honorable, Kaka High Flames, Malie Donn, Armanii and J’Quan hit the stage.
Marley scion YG Marley also performed, bringing Jahshii, his brother Zion, and superstar mother Lauryn Hill on stage.
However, the absence of Marcy Chin, Kraff, Jada Kingdom, and Valiant left many patrons disappointed.
Touting the value added by Hill's surprise performance, Sumfest organisers noted that Night One delivered, despite the setbacks.
"Despite these challenges, the festival delivered the anticipated ‘surprise artiste’, the superstar Miss Lauryn Hill to the Reggae Sumfest stage, much to the delight of our 18,000+ patrons at Catherine Hall [Entertainment Complex]. The energy was palpable, with patrons singing and dancing along to her extensive catalogue. Her sons, YG Marley and Zion Marley, continuing the legacy of their grandfather, the iconic Bob Marley, also gave great performances," said the statement.
Festival Night Two begins tonight. Expected performers include Babyface, Beres Hammond, Luciano, D’Yani, Ras I, Norris Boy, Nigy Boy, Sevana and Christopher Ellis.
Anthony B will no longer perform "due to unforeseen circumstances".