The soul of Sumfest
Robert Russell’s legacy lives on in Ja’s premier music festival
Published:Sunday | July 13, 2025 | 12:12 AMJanet Silvera - Sunday Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Though he passed away less than a year ago, Robert Russell’s presence still looms large as Reggae Sumfest marks its 32nd staging this week in Montego Bay. More than a founding father, he was considered the heartbeat of the festival – the steady force behind the scenes who ensured the show went on, no matter the challenge.
“This is the first year without him,” said Jason Russell, his son and the operator of Montego Bay’s Pier One. “And if I [were] to sum it up, I’d say the soul of the festival was wrapped up with Robert Russell. He was the oil that kept everything turning. The crane that did the heavy lifting.”
THE MAN BEHIND THE MUSIC
Reggae Sumfest, launched in 1993, has grown into one of the Caribbean’s most prominent music festivals, drawing thousands of visitors to Montego Bay each summer. From the early days, Robert Russell was instrumental in shaping the event into what it is today: an internationally recognised celebration of Jamaica’s music and cultural legacy.
However, Russell’s magic was not limited to boardroom decisions or public speeches. He was hands-on and deeply rooted in every detail. He managed logistics, secured permits, liaised with government ministers, soothed temperamental stars, and was always ready to roll up his sleeves when the unexpected happened. “He played a role in every single aspect of the show while it was owned by Summerfest Productions,” said Robin Russell, his older son, who now manages Deja Resort and served alongside him on the festival team. “From the booking of talent to directing security, handling production, or laying gravel when it rained, he was there.”
Robin described his father as the ultimate problem-solver, affectionately known as ‘The Fireman’, for his ability to extinguish crises and keep the show running smoothly. “He would be the person calling at 10 p.m. asking, ‘Are the lights in the parking lot working?’ Then he would drive down himself to make sure. He had an eye for the small things that made a big difference.”
While many viewed Reggae Sumfest through the lens of music and entertainment, for Russell, it was always about community. He saw the festival as a powerful economic engine for Montego Bay and took personal pride in the opportunities it created for ordinary Jamaicans. “He would go booth to booth, buying from every peanut vendor, curry goat man, fish fry lady,” Robin said. “He wanted them to feel included. To benefit. To thrive. That’s what the festival meant to him, everybody rising together.”
His approach was grassroots, heartfelt, and inclusive. From ensuring artistes’ hospitality to checking traffic flow after the final act, Robert Russell made sure that every person, whether a VIP or a vendor, had a positive experience. “His love wasn’t just for the music,” Jason explained. “It was for MoBay, for seeing the community benefit. He worked as hard behind the scenes as any artist worked on stage.”
When Reggae Sumfest was sold to DownSound Entertainment and Joe Bogdanovich, many might have expected Russell to step away. Instead, he remained as an indispensable advisor, mentor, and steadying presence through the transition. And, he gave his time, talent, and heart to the event he helped to build, long after. “Even if he wasn’t making a dollar, he would have given his all,” said Jason. “He never worked for money. His success was measured in how well the show went, how many lives were touched.”
Bogdanovich echoed Jason’s sentiment. “Robert’s presence is deeply missed, not just for his warm smile, but for the sharp insight and constant encouragement he brought to the team,” said Bogdanovich. “Every year, he pushed us to elevate the vision and bring more energy to the festival. His feedback was always purposeful. He helped ignite a sense of synchronicity that drove us forward.” He added, “As a team, we continue to evolve. Sometimes we work in our individual lanes, but as showtime approaches, we come together in a way that is truly unique. That spirit has not changed. Robert was a friend and a force we all respected. He’s still with us in spirit, guiding us in his own way.”
In the heart of Catherine Hall, where Sumfest unfolds each year, stands the Reggae Sumfest Wall of Fame, a tribute to Jamaica’s musical giants. Nestled among them is the image of Robert Russell, one of the few non-performers honoured on that wall. “He’s one of the only people up there who wasn’t an artiste,” said Robin. “But he belongs there. His life was surrounded by music. He made space for it to thrive.”
The story of Robert Russell is not just the story of Reggae Sumfest. It is the story of quiet leadership, of service without ego and of a man who understood that those behind the scenes often carry the greatest shows. As the festival returns to Montego Bay from July 13 to 19, the absence of ‘Big Russ’, as he was fondly called, will be deeply felt, but so, too, will his presence. In every working light, every orderly exit, every smiling vendor, and every note of music that floats into the night, his legacy lives on. Because Robert Russell wasn’t just part of Reggae Sumfest. He was Reggae Sumfest.