Based on Chronixx’s music, persons have been voicing concerns about him performing among hardcore dancehall acts.

“Why night one? This makes no sense,” one user wrote under the post on Reggae Sumfest’s Instagram page.

“Why is he on night one? He needs to be on night two,” another wrote.

Although still concerned, some users say they understood Chronixx’s inclusion on dancehall night. Pointing out that the singer is a huge crowd-puller, some users have concluded that with Buju Banton and Beres Hammond booked for night two, Chronixx’s placement on dancehall night is to ensure that night one gets just as many patrons as night two.

In a recent interview with THE WEEKEND STAR, Joe Bogdanovich, CEO of Downsound Entertainment and chief organiser of Reggae Sumfest, said that while he is aware of some of the concerns about Chronixx’s inclusion on night one, he believes the singer is a good fit.

“That’s the difference between a promoter and a patron. As a promoter, we set trends and develop trends. Chronixx is someone that supports the dancehall as well. He’s a conscious singer, but he wants to connect with a deeper fan base and with as much people as possible. At Sumfest, we’re trying to get past the segregation of Dancehall Night and Reggae Night because a lot of the places where festivals are being held around the world, they mix it up,” he said.

Singer Dalton Harris is also booked for Reggae Sumfest. But some persons on social media have said that aside from the ‘X Factor’ win, Harris does not have enough clout to perform on the Sumfest stage.

Bogdanovich begs to differ.

“There’s a lot of interest in Dalton. He’s one heck of a singer. Come on. You don’t need any other reason to want him on the show,” he said.

Based on the line-up, Bogdanovich said that patrons are in for a treat.

“I think what’s exciting about the show this year, also, is that we will have a good blend of the young, the experienced, the hardcore and the conscious. The show is going to do well, and I think we’re going to see a show that’s well supported,” he said.

For those who missed Buju Banton’s performance at the National Stadium last Saturday, the chance to see the Gargamel in his element will roll around again this summer at Reggae Sumfest 2019.

The Sumfest team made the revelation on Sunday morning after the Long Walk to Freedom concert wrapped up inside the National Stadium.

‘Sumfest to B.B.C.’ (referring to Buju, Beres Hammond and Chronixx), made the rounds on social media and in print, as the show’s organisers revealed the artistes set to headline the big nights of this year’s festival.

In an interview with THE STAR, CEO of Downsound Entertainment and chief organiser of Reggae Sumfest, Joe Bogdanovich, revealed that talks between Buju and his team began last December when he was released from prison.

“He respects the festival and the reach we have and he wanted to do the show. He just didn’t want us to advertise before his show and so we held off,” he said, stating that he expects Banton’s Sumfest appearance to be just as good as Saturday. “Buju is doing great things as he exhibited the other night, and I think he’s going to be amazing. He’s going to do four shows before us in July, and by then he will only get better. He’s going to get re-familiarised with everything and he’s going to be even more excited. I expect more energy, more interaction, just more of everything.”

Bogdanovich would not reveal how deep he had to dig in his pockets to ensure the Gargamel would grace the Sumfest stage, but says he is certain it will be money well spent.

“I can’t tell you that (the fee),” he said. “All I can say is that we listen to our patrons and we try our best to give them what they want and right now, they want Buju.”

He also spoke about Hammond and Chronixx, the other two headliners.

“The people love Beres, they love Buju and they love Chronixx, so we came up with the B.B.C. idea. This line-up and festival is very special, and I think it’s going to be very hard to beat,” he said. “There’s been a very strong response, the tickets are selling so fast already. I think the VIP and ultra-VIP are the ones that are really hot right now. People are understanding that it’s a seven-day festival, and so they’re also booking the pre-events as well. We’re feeling very positive about the show and we expect things will only get better as we get closer to summer.”

ENTICING LINE-UP

Bogdanovich added that although the headline acts announced are crowd pullers, the entire Sumfest line-up will be enticing.

He explained that as the show date draws closer, he will have several surprise announcements.

“Both Friday night and Saturday night will be filled with great music from some great artistes,” he said. ‘I can’t reveal all the things I have in store just yet but just know that we have some surprises to come. Sumfest is keen on supporting young females so expect more women on the line-up this year. We’re also very supportive of young artistes. The growth of the music is what we will be supporting this year. It’s important to support the future in the present and that’s what we will do.”