Kamal Bankay, Solomon Sharpe

For most people, partying is a pastime, but for the Dream Team it's a business, a serious one we might add.

The team which includes Kamal Bankay, P.J. Wright and Solomon Sharpe, is responsible for spearheading this year's Red Stripe Dream Weekend in Negril; a weekend of parties which helps to transform the nine-mile stretch into the coveted spot for Jamaicans to celebrate their independence.

From August 6 to 9, the Dream Weekend is one of two events of its kind taking place in Negril for the period, where partygoers can indulge in numerous parties for one price.

The team is made up of promoters of Absinthe Beach Mardi Gras, Twisted Spiritz Mixtopia Twisted Hawaiian Dream, DayDreams - All White Escape, Yush - Mega Beach Party, Xtreme Wet 'n Wild, Red Stripe Beer Vibes, Smirnoff Xclusive - Celebrity Edition. Patrons can also take advantage of Margaritaville Dayz and The Jungle Nights. In addition to promoters, there is a support group including young promoters called and the Dream Elite, the Dream Girls and administrative staff.

P.J. Wright - Contributed

"It's the first year for the name Dream Weekend but five of the seven events on 'dream' are not new to Negril, and the other two are not new to the party scene in Jamaica, so we are all seasoned promoters," said Kamal Bankay, a party promoter for 10 years.

P.J. Wright, one of his Dream Team partners, explained that the process of coming up with a new party concept is multidimensional.

"We try as best as possible to keep in touch with our patrons and get feedback on what they want in the events and based on that we create new themes and ideas; patrons are the key to any successful event," said Wright.

This is mixed in with a little inspiration from travels abroad and pop culture, according to Bankay.

Bankay and Wright have 18 years of party promoting experience between them.

In the next 10 years, both want to further their promotion involvement.

"I see myself doing exactly what I'm doing now, just on a grander scale with more clients andopportunities at my fingertips. At that time, with a broader and stronger network, the world will be my playground," said Bankay.

"I see myself making a mark on the entertainment industry by changing it from a 'hustling industry' to a well-recognised industry that Jamaicans can aspire to be a part of," said Wright.