Page 39 - Reggae Festival Guide Magazine 2018

The application process typically originates

inside the U.S. and is normally initiated by a

U.S.-based booking agency or promoter. The
booking agent or promoter is required to file an

application which includes documentary proof

of performance engagement commitments,

as well as the foreign performer’s eligibility
under one of the above stated visa categories.

The application process can take as long as

10 to 12 weeks, unless additional expedition

fees are paid upon filing. Fees and costs for
each application can easily run into several

thousand dollars, which is prohibitive for

most foreign performers. There is also the

need for professional expert representation
of both the foreign performer and the U.S.-

based booking agent or promoter in order to

secure work visas in a timely manner.

Artist Chronixx is identified with the Reggae Revival out of
Jamaica. Photo by © 2015 Sista Irie Photography

The upsurge in American reggae music festivals
in the past 10 years is a welcomed sign. In my

opinion, one of the key factors contributing to

the growth of the U.S. reggae festival market is

the rising popularity of several very successful

homegrown American bands that play reggae,

whose singers and musicians are U.S. citizens.
Bands such as Matisyahu, SOJA, Rebelution,

Tribal Seeds, Iration, J Boog, The Green and

Slightly Stoopid are regularly featured at

reggae festivals in the United States. Proficiency

and popularity as a live reggae performer is

no longer exclusive to Jamaicans and other
foreigners. American citizens who play reggae,

and do not require work visas to perform and

tour in the U.S., now make up a significant

percentage of the artists playing at U.S. reggae

Matisyahu, a pioneer of American live reggae touring. festivals. Another very important factor
Photo by © 2015 Sista Irie Photography
contributing to the growth of the reggae festival

Reggae Festival guide 2018 39