Adrian Frater, News Editor

Tarrus Riley during his performance at Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest 2007 Zenith in Montego Bay. - Claudine Housen

Western Bureau

Reggae star Tarrus Riley, one of this year's headline acts, served notice that he will be a hard act to follow when he delivered a well received three-song cameo at Tuesday night's Reggae Sumfest reception at the Pier One Complex, in Montego Bay.

The reception was designed to update the media, sponsors and well-wishers on the promoter's state of readiness for the annual festival, which will unfold between July 13 and 19 at the Catherine Hall Entertainment Centre, in Montego Bay.

After a detailed update on the state of readiness for this year's event by businessman Johnny Gourzong, the executive director of Summerfest Production Limited, Tarrus Riley set off a dancing frenzy. He initially reeled off Far Away and Lion Paw and then returned to answer a request for She's Royal.

"You have to come to Sumfest if you want more," Riley said, as additional requests came from the appreciative gathering. "You are going to get everything at Sumfest."

In giving his update on the promoter's state of readiness, Gourzong announced that Robert Russell, the festival's chairman, was in the United States finalising arrangements with an unnamed major international act. He also announced the signing of exciting American rapper Lil' Wayne for the festival.

"I think we will have a great line-up this year because we have pulled out all the stops in ensuring that we have signed all the major acts that are available," said Gourzong.

In outlining that Reggae Sumfest was the recipient of more major international awards this year, Gourzong heaped praises on the sponsors and patrons for their part in making the festival, which was first staged in 1993, the major success it has been.

After endorsements from sponsors such as Digicel, the Jamaica Tourist Board and Air Jamaica and excellent short performances by Montego Bay artistes, Mickey Ranks and Ras Select, the promoters announced that the festival will not be impacted by the Noise Abatement Act.

"The show will not be affected by any enforcement of the Noise Abatement Act as the promoters have got the required permission to go beyond 2:00 a.m.," Jackie Norman, the master of ceremonies, told the gathering. "The show will go on until daybreak or until all the artistes have performed."

This year's star-studded line-up includes Beres Hammond, Tarrus Riley, Beenie Man, Bounty Killa, Mavado, Anthony B, Voice Mail, Macka Diamond, Spice, Demarco, Elephant Man, Vybz Kartel, Queen Ifrika, Richie Spice, Jah Cure and Etana.