How lovely it at all times is when the month of July comes nearer, for me, it marks the beginning of the competition season. Lastly, I can get my cameras out of the mud once more, since taking pictures indoors will get more durable and more durable on account of altering vibes at concert events. Being out within the competition press pit releases that adrenaline that fellow photographers most likely recognise.
The primary competition in July is the annual Summerjam Pageant in Cologne, Germany, held on the Fühlinger See, to be exact. An attractive spot across the Fühlinger Lake within the North Rhine-Westphalia space. The Summerjam competition yearly pulls in round 30,000 guests who come to see their favorite Reggae and Dancehall stars, and currently additionally an increasing number of Hip-Hop and Afrobeats.
On this yr’s invoice, it was no totally different, however for the reason that platform known as World A Reggae, I largely concentrate on the Reggae and Dancehall performances, and this yr these didn’t let me down. This time, I can’t concentrate on the performances themselves, since I realized that having an outspoken opinion on artists’ performances, folks will at all times pull it into the unfavourable, and even strategy me straight with racist remarks and private insults. After Covid, the lifetime of a journalist hits otherwise.
However what I can say is that the competition delivered top-notch performances by Eesah, Inside Circle, Kumar & Third World, Beenie Man, Morgan Heritage with the return of Una Morgan, Shenseea, Teejay, Lanae, Alborosie, Mr Vegas, Burna Boy, Etana, and naturally, there was Vybz Kartel. However nuff mentioned about that, footage doesn’t lie.
I wish to thank the Summerjam organisation for his or her wonderful hospitality and German friendliness. I hope to be again subsequent yr (or I attempt one other competition the place I haven’t been but).
Benefit from the pics!
Danny Creatah
Summerjam 2025
