There are conflicting reports as to whether or not Bounty Killer will appear at the eighth annual Reggae Carifest show, slated for Randall's Island Park in Manhattan, New York on Sunday July 10.
In a release sent to THE STAR recently, Legendary Records announced the return of Guinness as title sponsor of the eighth annual Reggae Carifest. The release listed Bounty Killer among the confirmed artistes for the show along with Buju Banton, Elephant Man, Luciano, Capleton, Merciless, Bascom X, Marlon Asher, I-Wayne and others.
However, the return of Guinness as title sponsors for the event may have aroused some controversy, as the company's local arm in Jamaica had recently withdrawn sponsorship and other support to artistes like Bounty Killer and Beenie Man.
Certain artistes suspended
"There was a suspension of certain artistes as a result of a breach and it is still in effect until the coalition decides otherwise," said a spokesperson at Red Stripe. According to the spokesperson, Guinness also falls under this coalition group.
A subsequent statement released from Diageo, the parent company for Red Stripe, read, "the organisers of the 8th Annual Reggae Carifest recently confirmed that Bounty Killer is no longer performing. Diageo, the company that owns Guinness, has the strongest marketing code in the beverage alcohol industry with comprehensive guidelines that promote responsible marketing practices. Diageo is committed to the responsible advertising and marketing of all of its products."
However, when contacted, neither Bounty's local representatives nor the promoter of Reggae Carifest had knowledge of the Killer being dropped from the line-up.
Sharon Burke of Solid Agency, Bounty Killer's booking agents, said Killer's publicist (Julian) would have to address that issue but up to press time, no contact had been made.
Junior Burton, Producer of Reggae Carifest told THE STAR that he was not aware of any artiste being dropped from the line up.
"I don't know about him (Bounty Killer) not being on Reggae Carifest, we have little issues but all that is being sorted out," he said.
According to Burton, Guinness in New York is different from the company in Jamaica.
"It's two different things, if I wanted sponsorship from Guiness in Jamaica, I would have come to Jamaica. As a matter of fact, Beenie has also been added to the line-up," Burton said.
Guinness was associated with the sponsorship and staging of Reggae Carifest in 2000, 2001 and 2003. With the return of Guinness, the 2005 event will reclaim the name Guinness Reggae Carifest.
In addition to Guinness Stout, the premier Guinness product, Carifest patrons will also enjoy Red Stripe, Jamaica's premium lager beer and the popular Smirnoff Ice.
