REGGAE SUMFEST 2025 COULD BE BIGGEST YET

Vybz Kartel Headlines Festival Night 1 with blockbuster Lineup on Night 2

Montego Bay, JA: With a new bounce in his step and an ambitious vision, Reggae Sumfest boss Joe Bogdanovich is gearing up for the 34th staging of the iconic reggae festival, scheduled for Sunday, July 13 to Saturday, July 19 in Montego Bay.

Fresh from attending Vybz Kartel's historic, back to back, sold out concerts at Brooklyn’s Barclays Arena, Bogdanovich says this year’s production promises to be 'bigger and better,' powered by a blockbuster lineup and global momentum—particularly the influence of Festival Night 1 headliner, World Boss, Vybz Kartel.

“Kartel is a one-man wrecking army who has re-energized dancehall and the music industry in general,” Bogdanovich shared in a recent interview.

“He has a larger than life, cult-like following among the all-important 18–35 demographic who just can’t get enough of him.”

Scheduled for Friday, July 18, Kartel’s highly anticipated set is expected to run for approximately one hour.

Joe Bogdanovich

“It’s going to be a tight, impactful and memorable performance,” Bogdanovich predicted.

“Kartel is an extremely smart entertainer who always brings something fresh and exciting to the stage, as we witnessed at Freedom Street at the National Stadium in Kingston and recently in New York when he brought over half a dozen of his celebrity friends to join him on stage. Expect the unexpected with the World Boss is all I will say. You’re going to see a true international superstar that global promoters will realize is no longer just an island thing,” he explained.

Joining Kartel on Festival Night 1 are Masicka, the multi-talented DJ, singer who is extremely popular at this time, Tommy Lee Sparta, Skeng, Govana, Jamal, D’Yani, Laden, Shaneil Muir, and Jah Fabio. Festival Night 2, set for Saturday, July 19, is also generating strong momentum with ticket sales exceeding expectations, especially in international markets such as the UK, Canada, Mexico, the USA, and France, Bogdanowich stated.

“There’s no festival like Reggae Sumfest—it’s a different kind of cultural energy. We have a powerful lineup for both nights but the 'Vybz Kartel effect' is real,” Bogdanovich added. “Early Bird VVIP Centre Stage and Weekend Ultra VIP Seat tickets are already sold out.”

Bogdanovich revealed a key change for 2025: an earlier show end time.

“We’re planning to wrap before 5 a.m. We want to compress the energy and avoid exhausting the audience by sunrise. That’s an old-school practice we’re phasing out.”

As anticipation builds, Bogdanovich and the Downsound Entertainment team are promising an unforgettable week of music, culture, and high-powered performances.