Promoter excited about Mavado’s return

Visionary promoter and CEO of Reggae Fest, CJ Milan, is "excited" and ready to create another unforgettable musical experience with her debut staging of Reggae Fest Jamaica - The Return of Gully Gad Mavado on December 27.

Milan said that although this will be a historically thrilling experience for the artiste, it also marks a personal moment of connection and nostalgia for her.

"It means a lot. Reggae Fest is all over the United States, Toronto and London and to come back home for my first show in Jamaica is a blessing. This one is very special," Milan told THE STAR.

Reggae Fest has made several successful international runs in previous months, which saw massive turnouts and sold out venues featuring several top-named local acts. Milan remains confident that the game plan heading into this leg of the festival will be another success.

"I'm going to bring the same experience, energy and production that we bring to every show. But what we're going to do different is to make sure this show is very affordable. It's a recession and it's the holidays so we have to keep that in mind. Everyone under the stars should be able to come out and enjoy Reggae Fest without it breaking the bank," Milan shared.

The show, which is set for Plantation Cove in Priory, St Ann, will see Mavado making a momentous return to the local stages after almost a decade. Milan revealed that plans to host a grand festival here to mark his return was the Real McKoy singer's idea.

"He called me and asked if I would like to produce his first show back home. And you know I love historical events. To me, it's the perfect ending to 2025. I started with [Vybz] Kartel's first US show [after his release from prison] and now I'm ending the year with Mavado's first show back in Jamaica," she said.

"He's excited [that] he's returning home and I'm excited about bringing my brand home," said Milan, who is of Jamaican descent. She promised fans an "amazing" line-up, as American deejay and producer DJ Khaled, who has already been announced, setting the pace for the calibre of entertainers who'll be performing.

"I want to give Jamaica a show they have never seen before. I don't want them standing around, I want them to have the same energy that we have in the States. We set the standard in the US, so we have to go over and beyond for Jamaica," she stated, noting that over "10,000 LED glow sticks" have already been ordered to ship to Jamaica.

When asked if she believed the annual stage show Sting, which is scheduled for December 26, will be impacted by Reggae Fest as many are speculating, she replied: "I'm sure we both will have amazing turnouts."

In a previous interview with THE WEEKEND STAR, Sting's promoter Tahheer Laing offered similar sentiments.

"Not taking anything from the artiste [Mavado] but I don't think it's gonna bother us," he said.

However, while plans are being fine-tuned to produce what's already dubbed a 'Gully Christmas,' Milan said she's also using this opportunity to create nostalgic memories and reconnect with home.

"It's amazing and I'm [having] so much fun. I enjoyed visiting my family and friends. I ate a little too much [fast food] but the weather's amazing. But most importantly, I was able to prepare for Reggae Fest - the Return of Mavado. It's going to be an epic night and I'm very blessed and excited to share my brand with Jamaica," said Milan.