After the hurricane RumFest – SUMFEST promises a party like in 9 nights – Caribbean Life

After a tidal wave and fierce winds from a Category 4 hurricane claimed many lives and destroyed agricultural land, the threat known as Beryl has now passed and Jamaicans are seeing the sun rise again.
In fact, stalwart reggae lovers are currently preparing for seven turbulent days of celebration in honor of their native genre.

Traditionally, after a death on the island, there is a nine-night mourning period for the deceased.
Reggae Sumfest follows this tradition and offers a week of island fun, starting on July 14 with a family fun day at Catherine Hall in Montego Bay.
This is followed by a potpourri of festive fun, food, fashion, beach parties and music to recreate the typical Jamaican joy.

Scheduled for the western parish of St. James, the annual festival is billed as the “crown jewel of Jamaican music festivals” and is designed to inject new energy into a country recently bombarded by the Caribbean phenomenon.
Featuring a street dance, a whites-only party and a global sound clash, the Sumfest Rumfest Blitz is set to deliver a one-of-a-kind experience through July 18.

However, the quintessential western Jamaica festival will be in full swing on July 19 and 20, with two nights of reggae marathon performances featuring reggae and dancehall interpretations from Capleton, Beres Hammond, Nigy Boy, Anthony B and a long list of other heavyweights of this unique genre.

Rhythm & blues/pop icon Babyface Edmonds is likely to add a foreign element to the star-studded attraction on the second night.
Ironically, at the beginning of his career, Babyface was managed by Jamaican super negotiator Don Taylor, who also represented Robert Nesta Marley.

A lively celebration of reggae music and Jamaican culture, you’re sure to find stalls full of original clothing, jewelry and artisan-made pottery.
We hope that Beryl or future Category 2 storms avoid the island as it prepares to celebrate its 62nd anniversary of independence.

BARRELS FOR BERYL

The title may be misleading, but it could actually attract the attention of generous citizens willing to donate to the victims of the dangerous Hurricane Beryl that recently devastated the Eastern Caribbean.

Water, essential medicines and first aid items, pillows and blankets, non-perishable and preserved food, flashlights and batteries, washing powder, diapers, wipes and milk powder, tent tarpaulins, toiletries and hygiene kits will be accepted until July 31 as part of a relief effort for Union Island, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Carriacou, Bequia, Grenada and Petit Martinique.

Donation locations include Downstate Medical Center 450 Clarkson Ave., God’s Battalion of Prayer, 780 Schnectady Ave., Christ Ambassador Ministries, 5007 Beverly Road, Bk Community Board 17, 4112 Farragut Road and Council District Office 45, 1434 Flatbush Ave. For more information, email [email protected].