Howard Campbell, Gleaner Writer

EVEN though he has almost 20 years experience as a show promoter under his belt, Johnny Gourzong believes this month's production of Reggae Sumfest will be the most challenging to date.

Jamaica has not escaped the rigours of the worldwide recession that started in August 2008, and Gourzong says Sumfest, which runs from July 19-25 in Montego Bay, has felt the pinch.

"In addition to the recession, there's also the devaluation in the Jamaican dollar and that has put a lot of pressure on us," Gourzong said.

Gourzong is a senior executive of Summerfest Productions, which has produced Reggae Sumfest since it was first held in 1993 as a rival to the established Reggae Sunsplash.

Big-name acts

He says it will cost US$1.5 million to put on this year's event.

Most of that budget goes to paying big-name acts like Rhythm and Blues singer Toni Braxton and roots rapper Nas. Dancehall/reggae will be represented by perennial rivals Beenie Man and Bounty Killer, so too Damian 'Junior Gong' Marley and current rage Mavado.

In previous years, Sumfest has shelled out big money for performers like Shabba Ranks, Destiny's Child, Wyclef and 50 Cent. Gourzong declined to disclose which act gets the lion's share of funds this year but said the addition of American pop stars has done wonders for the show.

"It has definitely improved our reach," he said.

Overseas artistes first appeared on Sumfest in 1998. Most were old-school R&B performers like the Temptations, Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes and Ben E. King. In recent years, the 'overseas invasion' has become younger and more outrageous, thanks to controversial appearances from rappers Snoop Dogg and Ja Rule.

Gourzong says another plus for Sumfest '09 is the selling of broadcast rights to Carib Link, a cable television company based in Trinidad and Tobago. Previously, one-hour Sumfest specials were aired on Black Entertainment Television (BET).