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Placing Jamaica at the pinnacle Style-up for Reggae Sumfest

Sugar Minott

Reggae Sumfest to honour Sugar Minott

Adrian Frater, News Editor
Western Bureau:

Prolific reggae hit-maker Lincoln 'Sugar' Minott, who died at the University Hospital of the West Indies two weeks ago, will be honoured for his contribution to the music during the 18 edition of Reggae Sumfest, which will move into top gear tomorrow night.

"We will be dedicating Saturday night to Sugar Minott," said businessman Johnny Gourzong, the executive director of Summerfest Productions, the promoters of Reggae Sumfest.

"Immediately after Tarrus Riley's performance, we will have Tristan Palmer, Jimmy Riley, Tony Tuff and Little John paying tribute to Sugar Minott," added Gourzong. "Minott was an icon in the Reggae music and only fitting to remember him in this way. He has graced the Sumfest stage on many occasions, and always gave a scintillating performance."

For many, Sugar Minott's performance at Reggae Sumfest 2006 will go down in the annals of the festival as one of the best performances ever. Asked to close the show, the singer, nattily attired in white laced with red, took the venue by storm, lifting patrons into a musical frenzy with songs like, Devil Pickney, Hard Time Rock, Dancehall King, Get It Pon The Level and Buy Out The Bar.

Minott, who started out as somewhat of sound-system singer in the 1970s, quickly became one of the definitive voices of reggae globally, as he unleashed renowned classics such as Mr DC, Vanity and River Jordon, which became quite popular as far away as Japan.

When his star began to shine, Sugar Minott was not selfish about it but used his success to help to elevate other aspiring artistes, many of whom honed their craft on his Youthman Promotion Sound System and his Black Roots Recording label.

Among the host of artistes who were mentored by Sugar Minott who became major stars were the likes of Tristan Palmer, Little John, Junior Reid and the late Nitty Gritty and Tenor Saw.

While Sugar Minott never evolved into the global superstar many had predicted, with his vast catalogue of hits, to include hardcore dancehall and lovers' rock, his musical legacy should be very long and enduring.

In responding to his death, Olivia 'Babsy' Grange, the minister of youth, sports and culture, said Minott played a pivotal role in spreading reggae music across the world.

"Sugar Minott was a talented singer, songwriter, musician, performer and producer who played an important role in popularising Jamaica's music across the world," stated Grange. "He was one who followed in the footsteps of the pioneers of reggae, producing great music and helping younger artistes to make their mark."

The late Oniel Edwards, of the group VoiceMail, who succumbed to injuries he sustained after being attacked by gunmen in Kingston, will also be honoured at Reggae Sumfest for his contribution to Jamaica's music.