Ottawa Reggae Festival

The Ottawa Reggae Festival is a non-profit, volunteer driven music festival held annually in Lebreton Flats, Ottawa. Founded in 2008, it is led by Benjamin Williams--Founder, CEO, and President of the festival.

History

Reggae music first originated in Jamaica but it has grown to become a worldwide cultural and musical expression that touches everyone no matter what age, culture, or ethnicity. The lyrics deal with varying subjects such as faith, love, relationships, poverty, injustice, and other broad social issues in our present world today.

The inaugural event of 2008 was the result of a full year of planning and preparation by founder and President Benjamin Williams. Drawing upon his knowledge of the music along with his business experience the festival held at world renowned Lebreton Flats Festival Park in downtown Ottawa was a resounding success. Slated as a one day event, the festival quickly grew due to the overwhelming response from the local and regional communities further solidifying his resolve that the area needed a festival of this nature.

As a company that recognizes good business potential Heineken quickly jumped on board to be the sponsor of an added day. The added day became the Heineken Dance Party designed to showcase local and regional artists along with Disc Jockeys all from the reggae industry. Heinekens experience was so rewarding that they have decided to join again this year as one of our major sponsors.

Headliners

The 2008 line-up included internationally acclaimed UK artist Maxi Priest, Canada’s Spanish Reggaeton sensation El Neggro, Bermudian Collie Buddz and Toronto’s pride Snow.

Regional/Local Artists

Some of the regional artists include; Mackendy Kompa from the Island of Haiti currently residing in Montreal, two time Canadian Reggae Music Awards winner Ras Lee whose strong musical roots are direct relate to the origins of reggae music, two time Juno winner Korexion, Trilla U and Tanya P just to name a few. As you can see from our performance line-up we were able to showcase the many different forms of Caribbean inspired music with the emphasis on the world recognized Reggae.

Festival Offerings

The VIP Lounge offered patrons front stage seating accommodations, a private bar with service and featured Caribbean food. It also provided front stage accommodations for patrons with disabilities at no extra charge and free admission to the accompanying guest.

The Kids Zone catered to the entire family, supervised by professional early childhood educators, where families could go with their children to play. There was a variety of activities that included a moon bounce, face paintings, the CHEO bear, and more.

There was an assortment of foods from local vendors including Caribbean, Canadian, Japanese cuisine just to name a few. Along with the artisans and merchants there was the traditional sugar cane and coconut water vendors just to set the mood.

Successes

Since the inaugural year, the festival has received much needed support from the community and the various levels of government through the Ontario Arts Council, the City of Ottawa and Heritage Canada. Ottawa Reggae Festival has become a member of Ottawa Festival’s thus being able to use their resources and marketing outreach

In an effort to give back to the community the Ottawa Reggae Festival hosts community events around the nation’s capital throughout the year. These events include the 46th Anniversary Celebration of Jamaican Independence with the Ottawa Rapidz, a Canada Day Block Party downtown and Marley Night event celebrating Black History Month.

Coca Cola partnered with the festival’s green team, making it possible to recycle over 240 cubic feet (6,800 L) of cardboard, plastic and aluminum.

Controversy

In its third year, The Ottawa Reggae Festival has come under fire for financial mismanagement, artist no-shows, and cancelled performances. On August 21, 2010, monies and receipts were seized from the festival's beer tent following a court ruling against the festival from A. Raoul Nembhard, the festival's former chief financial officer.^[1] Nemhard claimed that he had not been reimbursed for his out-of-pocket expenses incurred during the previous year's festival.^[2]

On August 22, 2010, the last day of the festival, the entire day of performances was cancelled with its headlining acts, Sean Paul and Ky-mani Marley, pulling out. Many of the vendors and performers feared that they would not be paid. Sean Paul's representative, Headline Entertainment, cited a lack of confidence in the festival's ability to pay Paul's $50,000 appearance fee after delays in obtaining a deposit from the festival. Sean Paul took to Twitter to blame the promoters for disorganization and to apologize to his Canadian fans. ^[3]

L3 magazine, sponsor and publicist of the festival, issued a release blaming the President Benjamin Williams for the festival's financial troubles. ^[4] The festival's board of directors also released a statement criticising the 25 year-old Williams for his "youth and inexperience" and poor financial decisions. ^[5]

References

1. ^ Lawsuit Looms after Reggae Fest Cancellation CTV Ottawa
2. ^ Ottawa Reggae Festival cancels final day CBC news
3. ^ Sean Paul's Twitter Comment
4. ^ Reggae Fest Pulls Plug on Final Day The Ottawa Sun
5. ^ Statement from Board of Directors Ottawa Festivals

External links

• Ottawa Reggae Festival official site