The surviving members of the Jackson Five and brothers of the late King of Pop are set to be in Jamaica next week for the salute to Michael Jackson by Reggae Sumfest, the world’s greatest reggae festival.
Three of the original members of the Jackson Five are confirmed to arrive in Jamaica for the festival next Friday, officials of Summerfest Productions revealed yesterday.
Toriano Adaryll `Tito` Jackson, Randy and Jackie Jackson have been confirmed but Marlon, the other original member of the band, may also join their brothers in Jamaica for the 17th annual presentation of Reggae Sumfest, which is this year dedicated to the memory of the fifth member of the Jackson Five, the late, great, Michael Joseph Jackson.
Tito Jackson is set to also perform on the final night of the show, Saturday, July 25th.
Officials also revealed that Katherine Jackson and Michael Jackson`s three children will be guests of the Jamaica government at a later date. They will be presented with a Lifetime Achievement award for Michael Jackson by Summerfest productions.
The Jackson`s are also scheduled to award the government and the people of Jamaica a plaque to express their gratitude for the outpouring of love that has been shown to Michael Jackson in Jamaica.
Jackson had actually visited and performed in Jamaica in 1975 as a member of the Jackson 5. The group was hosted then by former Prime Minister, Edward Seaga, at his home in Temple Meads, St Andrew. At the time, Seaga was opposition leader and head of the now ruling Jamaica Labor Party. The Jackson 5 was the opening act for Bob Marley and the Wailers at the outdoor National Stadium.
Jackson passed away on Thursday, June 25th in Los Angeles after reportedly suffering a cardiac arrest. He was 50.
Caribbean fans have been among those joining millions around the world and the Jackson family, in mourning his sudden death.
The 17th annual Reggae Sumfest will get underway this Sunday, July 19th, with the annual beach party at Cornwall Beach, featuring the sounds of many of Jamaica`s more popular local deejays including Errol Lee & the Bare Essentials, Cameal Davis, Khalil, Timeka Marshall, ZJ Ice, DJ Mix Master Marvin and Crazy Nei, backed by Danger Zone Super Strong.
But it is the Jagra Dancehall Night, on Thursday , July 23rd, that is sure to crank the heat of this resort haven up higher, as a slew of stars, including Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, Vybz Kartel, Mavado, Lady Saw, Elephant Man, Busy Signal, Spice, Kip Rich, Flippa Mafia and D`Angel take over the stage.
On Friday, July 24th, American R&B stars Ne-Yo and Jazmine Sullivan are set to bring some smooth vibes to the festival while Morgan Heritage, Jah Cure, Coco T and Queen Ifrica are sure to thrill the conscious reggae followers.
The curtains come down on Saturday, July 25th with performances from multi-Grammy-winning star, Tito Jackson, Toni Braxton, Nas, Damian `Jr Gong` Marley, Tarrus Riley, Etana and Da`Ville among others.
Executive Director of Summerfest Productions, Johnny Gourzong, says air and hotels are going fast but can still be accessed through the site along with tickets, at www.reggaesumfest.com.
The Festival has devoted a section of its website to accommodation and fans can view a list of hotels in Montego Bay, as well as read short reviews and other information on the properties. Organizers say they will continue to add more properties as the deals are finalized.
Some of the hotel options available for patrons include the 5 star Fiesta Grand Palladium, which is a mere 25 minutes from the Sangster International Airport. This hotel boasts some 1,000 rooms, a fitness centre, a `club` for children, seven restaurants, and five swimming pools, and a spa.
Reggae Sumfest is presented annually by Summfest Productions. Sponsors for the 2009 event include the Jamaica Tourist Board, Digicel, Air Jamaica, Jamrock Magazine, Ocean Spray, Jagra, Appleton, Carib Beer and Mackeson among others.
Reggae Sumfest brings in an estimated 5,000 visitors to the island, along with US$5 million in revenue to Jamaica, according to a survey done by the Jamaica Tourist Board. Reggae Sumfest is produced annually by Summerfest Productions.
Author: World Music Central News Room
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