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Sumfest 2025 promises a major economic boost not only to locals in and around the Montego Bay area but a wider impact on Jamaica.

With the large production work, required resources and numerous employees Reggae Sumfest deploys annually, the show's promoter, Joe Bogdanovich, said he's expecting a ripple effect on the economy.

"We hire more than 150 people in MoBay only - the hotels are involved, the taxi drivers, the fashion and the hairdressers. So we hire a lot of people, not only from Montego Bay - we bring in a lot of sponsors and foreign technicians here who help to educate everybody in learning the craft better and it's a great opportunity for Jamaica," he said.

"It's not just learning about the equipment and how to make it work, but it's an attitude [and] a love for the music and that love comes out in the audience and in the artistes. When they come on that stage and see what it looks like out there, they tell me it's the best they've ever done, so it's quite formative," Bogdanovich told THE STAR.

The renowned businessman further outlined that the engagement between music and the international market formed an organic tourism boost.

"I know that the government is starting to understand the power of music and they're recognising it as a gift that we have here in Jamaica with reggae and dancehall music and just music in general - it's a generator of tourism. It feels good to know that the government is recognising the value of music and we're trying to raise the bar and do things better to compete in the international market," he said.

He also opined that raising the musical standards to that level will also aid in reducing crime and violence and let people start caring about one another while creating more job opportunities for local artistes on the international market. He highlighted the recent international performances of veterans Beenie Man and Buju Banton as legends of the music "whose presence and music never get old, it just get better".

"Even look at Vybz Kartel - my goodness - they're startled to see this man and he's getting better in terms of his comfort with the international market and he gives them nothing but love and charm, great lyrics and I think that's tremendous for the country and the sponsors and governments start to recognise that. We've come a long way in the music business," he added.

The promoters of Reggae Sumfest were also keen on keeping the community spirit alive with not only supporting its local businesses and residents, but dedicating shows specifically to give back to the adjoining communities.

"We're doing the Family Fun Day, that costs money and we make it look good. We also bring in a little education there with people getting their medical checks for free [while] informing young people to be more aware of the climate and how important it is...it's now globally relevant," he shared. There will also be a "Free street dance...people are getting a taste of what the foreigner is getting and they like going to these places".

"When you see and hear dancehall music coming from 'The Rock,' it's not like it is in Capri [an island in Italy]," he giggled. As an additional part of giving back to the musical fraternity and Jamaica, Bogdanovich revealed that there will be a special tribute to honour some of Jamaica's deceased legends. He said the tribute, which will be a part of Tarrus Riley's set, will showcase and celebrate the legacy of Jimmy Riley, Cocoa Tea, Dennis Brown and Gregory Isaacs, which will close Festival Night 2 on July 19. The promoter describes this segment as his "most anticipated moment" for this year.

With the star-featured line-up set to make a massive impact on this year's 32nd staging of the event, Bogdanovich said he's anticipating a high-energy vibe and quality performances that will continue to make a global impact and prove why Reggae Sumfest is dubbed the 'Greatest Reggae Show on Earth'.