

The Reggae Sumfest fun day kicked off the festival in superb fashion at the Catherine Hall Sports Complex on Sunday (July 14).
Families and community members from across western Jamaica gathered eagerly to enjoy a day filled with entertainment and vital social services.
Joe Bogdanovich, chairman and CEO of DownSound Entertainment, the organisers of Reggae Sumfest, expressed his satisfaction at the event’s turnout.
“It was truly heartening to witness the overwhelming turnout at Catherine Hall Stadium and feel the profound community spirit. The event has grown remarkably since last year, underscoring the growing community support and their deepening appreciation for family-focused entertainment.”
Bogdanovich also extended his appreciation to major sponsors Hospiten and Pepsi, recognising their impactful contributions.
“Reggae Sumfest has always played a crucial role in supporting Montego Bay, particularly during the back-to-school season. This year, along with the sponsors, we went above and beyond by providing a variety of gifts such as backpacks, books, and school supplies. Moreover, the initiative of offering free medical check-ups for children resulted in substantial savings for many families.”
Highlighting the introduction of the ‘sustainability corner’ at the Fun Day, a new addition to the event, Bogdanovich emphasised its positive reception.

“The sustainability booth was a standout feature, capturing the interest of both children and adults with its innovative recycling projects. The Jamaica Green Scholars Upcycling Art Competition, created in partnership with H&L Agro, Recycling Partners of Jamaica and Esirom, was also an integral part of this initiative, showcasing the creative prowess of students across the region. I commend Heinz Simonitsch, Barracks Road Primary, Flanker’s Primary, and St James Primary for their exceptional contributions. It’s crucial that we instil in our youth the importance of environmental stewardship from an early age.”
Parents also took advantage of free back-to-school medical and dental services provided by Hospiten. Despite a rain-induced interruption, the Hospiten team completed 112 medical services.
Kimeisha Salabie, commercial director at Hospiten, affirmed, “We are very happy to have played a role in the day’s activities”.
“The back-to-school medical programme went very smoothly as parents remembered to bring their registration forms with them. The dental programme is also growing as we saw families, rather than individuals coming in for checks. I believe it is a good way for Hospiten to give back to the community and the partnership with Reggae Sumfest grows stronger and better each year,” she said.
The positivity also resonated among food vendors, who were accommodated at the Fun Day. Claudia Artwell, overseeing the initiative, shared glowing reviews from vendors.
“Business slowed during the rain but picked up again afterwards. Vendors are excited for their roles at the upcoming events,” Artwell stated.
Donovan Williams of Big Chef’s Catering echoed this sentiment. “Today was good, despite the rain. The support was excellent. The venue’s convenience is a plus, allowing us to stay in one location for all the pre-events.”


The ‘Necktie Jelly Man’, Garth Sinclair, entertained with his skilful, blindfolded coconut chopping, a beloved staple at Reggae Sumfest events. “The Fun Day is a fantastic idea to bring families together,” he expressed.
Tropics, a subsidiary of Pepsi-Cola Jamaica, also expressed their excitement about partnering with Reggae Sumfest. Brand coordinator Karonna Atkins shared that the brand’s emphasis on children and community made this partnership a perfect match.
“We are excited to partner with Sumfest, it’s been years now and at this point we are a family supporting family. When we talk about family, Tropics fits perfectly into that conversation, it’s a product that children can consume and one they love,” said Atkins. “We are honoured to be the title sponsors for the Family Fun Day which kicks off the events for the week. It sets a tone for the rest of things to come. We brought back LaaLee as the performer this year because he fits everything we are as a brand, an entertainer who brings energy that translates with children.”
LaaLee, with his dynamic repertoire of dance hits, truly captivated the crowd and ended the day on a high note. His energetic performance included popular tracks like ‘Watz On Sale‘, ‘Bird‘, ‘Dirt Bounce‘, and ‘Bong Bing‘, which had the audience cheering, dancing, and fully engaged. The lively atmosphere he created was the perfect culmination of a day brimming with excitement, delicious food, and joyful activities.

LaaLee’s vibrant stage presence and infectious energy ensured that everyone left with smiles on their faces and memorable moments to cherish.
The week’s festivities continue with the Street Dance on Monday, July 15, at Catherine Hall Stadium, the All White Party on Tuesday, July 16, at Pier 1, Global Sound Clash on Wednesday, July 17, and the new Rumfest Blitz on Thursday, July 18, both at Catherine Hall Stadium. The festival culminates with the main stage shows on Friday, July 19, and Saturday, July 20, at Catherine Hall Entertainment Centre.
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