Jamaica’s premier summer music event Reggae Sumfest, is again living up to its reputation of delivering only the finest acts, by bringing one of the music industry’s most celebrated pop stars, Usher, to this year’s 18th staging.The International R&B star has been confirmed as a performer to take the stage at the show which runs in Catherine Hall, St. James between July 17 and 24.
Usher will join a cast of fellow performing giants such as Chris Brown, Beenie Man, Shaggy, Bounty Killer, Mavado, Tarrus Riley, Queen Ifrica, Jah Cure among others.
Though not his first local performance, Usher has been on a phenomenal streak in recent times, with memorable music and electrifying performances. His latest album Raymond V. Raymond which was released on March 30 this year, debuted at number 1 on the US Billboard 200 charts. His latest single OMG featuring Will.I.Am is also currently blazing the airwaves, clubs and parties across the world.
This is only his latest crown in a career decorated with accomplishments. Usher has won 5 Grammy awards, 8 Soul Train Awards, and 19 Billboard Music Awards.
He made his musical debut in 1994 with the single Think of You but it was not until 1997 that Usher gained popularity with the hit song My Way. Since then, he has turned into a virtual hit-maker.
In 2001 Usher released the album 8701, which went four times platinum riding on the success of hit singles such as U Remind Me and U Got It Bad. In 2004 Confessions sold over 10 million copies in the US. It was ranked as grossing the highest sales in the first week for an R&B artiste in history. Subsequently, the album sold 20 million copies worldwide and was certified Diamond by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). In 2008, his album Here I Stand sold over 5 million copies worldwide and was certified platinum.
In addition to Usher’s recording feats, he is also known for his talent on the stage, and on the screen. Usher appeared in the 1998 film The Faculty and a year later She’s All That. As a Humanitarian, Usher founded New Look, a non-profit organization that seeks to give young people a ‘new look’ on life through the use of education and real life experiences as the incentive.
With a string of accolades and awards, there is no doubt Usher will add considerable value to an army of stars now billed for the greatest summer Festival in Jamaica.
Reggae Sumfest is the most celebrated and supported Reggae Festival in Jamaica, and attracts the world’s leading musicians and performers. In its near 20 year history, the show has boasted a superb entertainment package, loaded with the best performances, food, music, and culture. This year’s Festival runs from July 17-24 at Catherine Hall, St James.
Red Stripe is back as a sponsor of Reggae Sumfest, after a one-year hiatus. The brand now joins fellow Platinum sponsors Ibero Star, Digicel, and the Jamaica Tourist Board. Gold Sponsors include CVM, The Gleaner, and Irie Fm.
Saturday, July 17
Beach Party, Cornwall Beach
Errol Lee & The Bare Essentials
Brown Sugar
Press Fyah
Bumpa
DJ Bambino
DJ Baby Thug
Danger Zone
Thursday, July 22
Catherine Hall, Montego Bay
Vybz Kartel Mavado
Elephant Man
Spice
I-Octane
Demarco
Kiprich
Konshens
D'Angel
Assassin
Ce'Cile
Voicemail
Chino
Ding Dong
Khago
G-Mac
Tifa
Besenta
Chumps
Dada
King UJah
Taz
