The soulful Beres Hammond to be honoured at Reggae Sumfest 2011

                                                              

Internationally acclaimed singer Beres Hammond will be honoured by Summerfest Productions, organisers of Reggae Sumfest during this year's staging of the annual music festival at the Catherine Hall Stadium in Montego Bay, St. James.

"Beres is an icon and a cornerstone of the Jamaican music industry," said Johnny Gourzong, Summerfest's executive director.



"We at Reggae Sumfest are very pleased to be presenting this great reggae artiste and felt that he deserves to be recognised for his enormous contribution to the growth and development of our music. A Reggae Sumfest without Beres never truly feels complete," he added.

Hammond, who is one of Jamaica's most prolific singers ever, and who has a massive fan base, will be making his return to the festival after a three-year hiatus.

Known for his soulful voice and eclectic lovers' rock ballads, Hammond's discography consists of at least 18 albums and six compilations.

He is expected to wow the Sumfest audience with his timeless hits, among themStep Aside, Can't Stop A Man From Trying, Standing In My Way, and She Loves Me Now, to name a few.

"Beres loves to perform at Sumfest because of the exceptional reception he gets. It's been a while since he has graced the stage at Catherine Hall, and he has made it clear that he will be delivering one of the best sets locally, come July," said Hammond's manager Mervis Walsh.

Reggae Sumfest, set for July 17-23, promises to be an explosive affair featuring top acts such as international sensations R Kelly and Nicki Minaj, as well as Jamaican stars CeCile, Tifa, Kip Rich, Protoje, Jah Cure, Half Pint, and Konshens, Mavado, Tany Stephens, Beenie Man, I-Octane to name a few.

Top hip hop & dancehall acts billed for Reggae Sumfest 2011

Meanwhile, Gourzong could not contain his excitement of having the irrepressible’ Young Money’ artiste Nicki Minaj, who is currently at the top of the rap game globally, as one of the headline acts on International Night 2, for Reggae Sumfest 2011.

The show, dubbed the greatest show on earth, kicks off with a beach party on Sunday July 17 and promises a bigger better experience for Jamaican and International patrons with sponsors Red Stripe Bold, Jamaica Tourist Board, Digicel, Iberostar and new comer Pepsi among others on board the Reggae Sumfest experience will be high energy and great fun.

“Last year we had a tremendous festival with great Jamaican and International acts. This time around patrons will again be treated to amazing performances with the likes of Mavado, I-Octane, Beenie Man, Jah Cure and so many other great artistes. Nicki Minaj is one of the hottest acts in the world right now, will also be treating her multitude of fans to a scintillating performance,” Gourzong said.
David Constantine Brooks, better known as Mavado, is considered one of Jamaica’s most prolific dancehall artistes and is reaping rave reviews for his recent foray into producing.

Vivienne Tanya Stephens, better known by her stage name Tanya Stephens, also rounds out the Reggae Sumfest lineup.

She is arguably one of Jamaica's best lyricists who has delivered cheeky lyrics that pushed boundaries with commanding statements of female sexual empowerment.

She shot to fame in the late 1990s.

Tanya Stephens, not a regular staple on stage shows should be a treat for fans.

“We believe in giving the best to our patrons, and I can tell you we will be signing another big act pretty soon, that will put the icing on the cake for Reggae Sumfest 2011,” said Robert Russell, of Summerfest Productions.
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.

[Source: CMC]