Joe keeps Capleton on Sumfest
Reggae Sumfest’s principal Joe Bogdanovich has confirmed that Capleton is still booked for the event.
The festival is scheduled for Montego Bay from July 15–22. Capleton is slated to perform on July 21, the second night of live performances.
“Yes, he is still on for the show,” Bogdanovich told the Jamaica Observer yesterday. “I don’t have any concerns. I think he is innocent.”
Capleton was offered bail in the sum of $250,000 on Monday when he appeared at the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court in Half-Way-Tree. The 51-year-old spent the weekend in lock-up at the Half-Way-Tree Police Station after being arrested and charged on Friday for rape.
Capleton will share the stage with Damian “Junior Gong” Marley, Beres Hammond, Maxi Priest, Cham, J Boog, and Keznamdi.
The festival is scheduled for launch at Emancipation Park in St Andrew on May 30 and in Miami on June 9. Previous launches were held in New York and at the Iberostar Rose Hall Beach in Montego Bay.
Bogdanovich said all is set for the 26th staging of the event.
“We are actually way ahead of schedule. We’re just marketing the thing. Tickets are being sold in stores, we have a few surprises that we will be letting out really soon, and we’re just working hard to promote peace and love in the world,” he said. “I think it’s going to be a great production. We’re introducing merchandise for the first time this year; the food court is going to be great, the service will be improved; we’re going to have good parking available. It’s important that everyone be early because we’re starting on time.”
Reggae Sumfest commences on July 15 with the traditional Beach Party at Tropical Bliss Beach. The following day will see The Sumfest Street Jam at the old Hospital Park followed by an all-white party at Pier 1 on July 17. Activities shift to the Hard Rock Café for Sumfest Blitz on July 18 featuring Safaree and Stefflon Don.
The new additions this year include the Sumfest Inspire Awards (invitation only) at Iberostar Rose Hall Beach on July 19 and Sumfest World Clash to be held that evening at Pier 1. Other new events include the Reggae Industry Symposium on July 20 at Montego Bay Convention Centre and Sumfest Morning Medz, to be held at Dump-up Beach.