Busy Signal, President of Turf Music, has shared his reasons for no longer performing at Reggae Sumfest, despite multiple invitations from Downsound CEO Joe Bogdanovich.
He is calling out the organization for its lack of professionalism, ssying he has experienced much higher standards at overseas Reggae events, espeically in Europe.
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In an interview with Television Jamaica’s The Entertainment Report, Busy Signal voiced concerns about how Jamaican artists are treated at the festival. He highlighted issues like poor stage management and a lack of respect from some members of the event’s organizing team.
He said, “Personally, I don’t think Reggae Sumfest and the whole staff know how to treat an artist, and when I say an artist, I’m talking local artists.”
“I’ve been approached by Joe Bogdanovich many times to do Sumfest, but I guess his staff and the people who claim they know stuff—it’s just garbage. Big garbage,” he added.
The “Watch Out Fi Dis (Bumaye)” singer believes there is a significant difference in the treatment of Jamaican and foreign artists, which he finds troubling. He pointed out that no overseas act has ever outperformed a local artist at any reggae show held in Jamaica.
“They don’t appreciate us as local artists. I’ve seen the treatment that international artists get. Name one Sumfest or even before I was born or when I was a little toddler—name one Sunsplash where an international artist outperformed a local artist. There’s none!” Busy Signal declared.
When asked for specific grievances, Busy Signal recounted his last performance at Reggae Sumfest in 2016, where he felt the stage and time management were poorly handled.
“One specific time was the last time I did Sumfest—I don’t remember the year, but I had a contract for an hour set. And, on the stage I think I was 17 minutes into my performance, some guy was on the side of the stage showing me a time like ‘hey.’ Every time I look to the side, I see someone hitting the time. And saying, you know, they got to rush me off to put a different artist on,” he explained, illustrating the action by tapping his watch.
“Or sometimes it’s push back, so it’s unprofessional,” he continued.
During his 2016 performance, Busy Signal was in the middle of his set when he suddenly confronted an individual, presumably the stage manager or timekeeper.
“Hold on there, hold on there. Every year you do this… Don’t show me no watch. Don’t tell me about no time! Performance! And the people love what’s going on. Hey you, if corporate Jamaica didn’t like me, I’d deal with you wicked! I have too much to lose!” Busy had said to the man.
Towards the end of his performance, he continued to criticize the timekeepers as he conitnued on with his performance.
“I want you to put up all the lighters, because you over there telling people about time every minute, watch yourselves… it’s been a long time since we performed. This is the first time I’m performing on Reggae night, aka international night. Don’t try to spoil the night!” he had ordered.
