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We The People Band leader Lloyd Parks is celebrating 50 remarkable years in the Jamaican music industry. In recognition of this milestone and his outstanding career, the veteran bassist was honoured at Reggae Sumfest 2025. Renowned for his signature grooves and consistent support of reggae icons on stage, Parks’ influence is felt across generations.
The award was presented by Tarrus Riley on Reggae Sumfest Festival Night Two at the Catherine Hall Entertainment Complex in Montego Bay. Riley lauded Parks as an irreplaceable foundation in reggae’s evolution. In his emotional acceptance, Parks gave credit to God.
“Thanks and praises to Father God because without His preservation, I wouldn’t be here tonight. Nuff respect to Sumfest too. I’m celebrating 50 years as a backing band in Jamaica, and I give thanks and praise," said Parks.
The night’s tributes extended to other influential figures whose contributions, both on stage and behind the scenes, have shaped the Jamaican music landscape, including the late Robert Russell, co-founder of Reggae Sumfest. This year marked the first staging of the festival since its inception in 1993, without Russell’s guiding presence, and organisers ensured his legacy was not only remembered but celebrated.
HONOURING ROBERT RUSSELL
The heartfelt moment took place on Saturday night with DownSound Entertainment CEO Joe Bogdanovich and his son Joey presenting the posthumous honour to members of the Russell family. Described as a visionary and steadfast force behind the event’s global success, Russell was credited with planting the roots of what would become the Caribbean’s premier music festival.
“What we have gotten tonight, honestly, means a lot to us. Sumfest is like a child to us. My father grew it from inception to where it is now, and to hand it off to you (Joe), [there] could not have been a better person or better team. Big up to all the Sumfest crew. On behalf of the Russell family, we thank you very much," said Russell's son, Jason.
Beverley, Russell's widow, added, “Robert loved the people of Montego Bay, and they loved him equally. Tonight is a special night for our family in the city he loved so much.”
RESPECTED STAGE MANAGER
With a career spanning decades and a reputation for excellence at major live events, Worrell King, one of Jamaica’s most respected stage managers, was celebrated for his quiet command and relentless work ethic.
“He has the kind of discipline for backstage and artiste presentation like nobody else,” said Bogdanovich, as he presented the award. “It’s been many years, and now we’re hailing him up big time.”
Also honoured was John Swaby, a long-time production team member who has served Sumfest for over 30 years. From its earliest days, Swaby’s steady hand and behind-the-scenes expertise helped solidify the festival’s reputation for world-class production.
Host Debbie Bissoon described Swaby as “humble but very effective,” while Bogdanovich saluted his loyalty and impact. “This is for outstanding contribution to Reggae Sumfest as a pioneering entertainment legend," said Bogdanovich.
TARRUS RILEY AWARDED
The evening came full circle when Riley – fresh from delivering a high-energy set of hits including She’s Royal, Lion Paw, and Good Girl Gone Bad – was himself honoured for his contributions to modern reggae. Celebrated as “reggae royalty", Riley was presented with a commemorative trophy for his role in pushing the genre forward.
In a touching moment, he invited his son and daughter on stage, continuing the Riley family’s legacy. “Dem cyah get we out,” he said, paying tribute to his late father, the revered singer Jimmy Riley.
English (US) ·