Valiant, Freddie McGregor, Chronic Law, and Kabaka Pyramid to Perform at Reggae Sumfest 2023
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Dubbed “the greatest show on earth,” Reggae Sumfest is set to return this summer with Valiant, Freddie McGregor, Chronic Law, and Kabaka Pyramid all confirmed to perform during this year’s staging of the massive event.
After a short hiatus due to the covid pandemic, Sumfest made its grand return in 2022. Since its inception in the 90s, the event has attracted local and international audiences with its impressive roster of artistes and performances. Last year’s staging was no different, featuring performances by Shenseea, Alkaline, Masicka, Aidonia, Govana, Dexta Daps, Ishawna, and Skeng, who closed the event, plus other artistes.
While it had its controversial moments, with Ishawna dancing with cardboard cutouts of Minister Christopher Tufton, Prime Minister Andrew Holness, and Bounty Killer, prompting Sumfest organiser Joe Bogdanovich to issue an apology, the stage show also garnered many praises. The 2022 staging featured a Madhouse Records tribute to music producer Dave Kelly as well as the official crowning of Spice as the Queen of Dancehall.
The event’s organizers have not yet revealed all their plans for the 2023 staging and have only released a partial list of their upcoming roster. But with a list featuring Valiant, Freddie McGregor, Chronic Law, and Kabaka Pyramid, the show is clearly sticking to its winning formula of veteran favourites, established artistes, and on-the-rise newcomers.
No stranger to the Sumfest stage, McGregor has thrilled Jamaican audiences with his music and exceptional catalogue for years following his early beginnings in the 1960s and rise in the 80s. The artiste reportedly suffered a stroke in the United States last December and was spotted recuperating at a medical facility in Florida. However, Mcgregor has seemingly made a full recovery and is ready to return to the Sumfest stage.
The singer was honoured for his contribution to Jamaican music at the 2014 staging of Reggae Sumfest and was featured in the show’s virtual edition, A Taste of Reggae Sumfest, during the pandemic in 2020. His performance will also feature his sons Chino McGregor and Stephen McGregor.
Chronic Law also made an appearance during the event’s virtual edition and was among the number of notable acts who appeared during its return to a live show last year. The Hillside deejay recently performed at fellow entertainer Yaksta’s Yaksta 22 album launch and released his single Kill A Raper on Friday.
Following his previous performances in 2017 and 2018, reggae artiste Kabaka Pyramid will return to the Sumfest stage as a Grammy winner after securing the coveted award for his album The Kalling at the 65th Grammys.
Reggae Sumfest newcomer Valiant will no doubt be aiming to stun patrons after missing his first shot at performing at a major stage show following Sting’s less-than-stellar return last December. One of Jamaica’s most streamed artistes, the Speed Off deejay, has been releasing music in quick succession and currently has the number-one trending song on Youtube, Rasta.
Sumfest 2023 returns this July, starting with pre-events on the 16th and ending on the second main festival night on the 22nd.
