Rum Fest a huge hit
...despite earlier rain threat
MONTEGO BAY, St James — Despite heavy, early afternoon showers, there was a strong turnout of patrons at the 2024 staging of Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum Festival at the Catherine Hall Sports Complex in Montego Bay on Thursday.
This year, the fifth edition of the event was held in collaboration with Reggae Sumfest.
Backed by the Jamrock Orchestra from the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JaRIA), Grammy Award-winning Beenie Man, who performed as Moses Davis, brought the curtains down with a remarkable display of showmanship which elicited wild cheers from the audience.
Showcasing his versatility, the “Girls Dem Sugar”, who reeled off hit after hit from his vast catalogue.
“I never worked with an orchestra before. This is my first time. Never ever, never ever. So all my fans and well-wishers thank you for being here,” he stated before starting Let Him Go.
He pleased his large local and international fan pool as he eased through selections such as Blackboard, Zim Zimmer, Maestro, Toy Friend, Wickedness Slam, Old Dog, Nuff Gal, among many others.
Penultimate act, 1990s dancehall artiste Harry Toddler gave a good account of himself. He connected with the audience with his delivery of songs such as Bare Gal Want We, Dance the Angel, Bad Man No Dress Like Girl, Many Many Gals, and more.
“I am from the 90s. When I say 90s, say badness,” he shouted before moving into
Nineties Badness.
The concert also featured riveting performances from Jody Kay, Iotosh, Amanyea, Royal Blu, and some earlier acts.
Tanikie McClarthy Allen, senior director, public affairs and sustainability at J Wray & Nephew (JWN) Limited, expressed satisfaction with the overwhelming support despite the threat posed earlier by the inclement weather.
“With all the rains that poured, we weren’t sure about the patrons that would be able to come out, though we had indication of a good amount of support based on the tickets. We were very happy when we saw the response from Montegonians, tourists visiting, and people from all around,” she told the Jamaica Observer.
Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett, in officially declaring the festival open, lauded the organisers for their resilience.
“I just want to speak to the resilience of our people. Nobody thought that in less than two weeks after a Category 4 hurricane passed by, creating damage to the south coast of the country and causing disruptions all around, we were able to put together this festival with the spirit and with the kind of efficiency, and indeed with the style which is so typical of Jamaica that we are seeing this evening. I want to congratulate the team and I want to say to us all the indomitable spirit of Jamaica and the resilience of our people will not only make us recover and recover quickly, but thrive and be stronger and better,” Bartlett said on Thursday.
McClarthy Allen argued that JWN has successfully hurdled challenges along the way of the festival.
“We have been faced with several challenges along the way; with COVID, [etc], and we successfully pivot. We have moved from Kingston into the tourism capital two years ago, and then this year, the iteration of the partnership with Sumfest. So we are accustomed to having different challenges to contend with,” she told the Observer.
“The Category 4 hurricane with Beryl and the impact on the south coast and the focus of the country with the recovery certainly gave us some thought. It was important to be true to the Jamaican spirit and celebrations throughout challenges,” she added.
The Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum Festival showcased of the finest rums, culinary delights, and a fusion of music and entertainment.
The festival also featured a blend of rum education, cuisine, and live music. The day-to-evening event included a seminar and a food village.