Cordel ‘Skatta’ Burrell, a key figure on the Reggae Sumfest organising committee, has addressed recent criticisms surrounding Busy Signal’s absence from this year’s festival and the omission of Vybz Kartel from the ‘Reggae-Dancehall Wall of Fame‘ project. In a social media post, Burrell responded to Busy Signal’s comments about his absence from the festival, which sparked a wave of reactions from dancehall fans who also questioned why the now-freed Vybz Kartel was not included in the new mural.
Burrell explained that the mural, commissioned by Joe Bogdanovich and painted by artist Maximiliano Bagnasco, is still a work in progress. He reassured fans that the Wall of Fame, which aims to honour iconic figures in Jamaica’s musical landscape, is not yet complete, leaving open the possibility of Vybz Kartel’s inclusion in the final version. This mural, featuring portraits of legends like Bob Marley, Beenie Man, Bounty Killer and Spice, is poised to become a cultural landmark in Montego Bay.
Bogdanovich, CEO of Downsound Entertainment and producer of Reggae Sumfest, emphasized the mural’s importance to the festival and the city. He highlighted the positive reception from locals and tourists alike, who have been flocking to the mural to take pictures and learn more about Jamaica’s rich musical heritage. Artist Maximiliano Bagnasco, who has been captivated by Jamaica since his first visit, described the mural as his largest project in the country, aiming to capture the soul of his subjects and the essence of Jamaica’s music in vivid detail.
The mural’s unveiling is part of a broader effort to enhance the cultural landscape of Montego Bay and enrich the Reggae Sumfest experience. As the project progresses, fans eagerly anticipate the inclusion of more iconic figures, celebrating the vibrant and influential history of Jamaican music.
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