Recent off what many are calling essentially the most profitable Reggae Sumfest in its historical past, pageant mastermind Joe Bogdanovich is including one other main milestone to his legacy. The American Mates of Jamaica (AFJ) has introduced that Bogdanovich will obtain the distinguished Worldwide Achievement Award at its upcoming 2025 Hummingbird Gala, set for Friday, October 10, on the iconic Plaza Lodge in New York Metropolis.
Bogdanovich will likely be honored alongside fellow cultural advocate Jason Henzell, who will obtain the Worldwide Humanitarian Award.
“It’s extremely significant to be acknowledged by a company like American Mates of Jamaica, which has such a longstanding dedication to Jamaica’s improvement,” Bogdanovich instructed Caribbean Nationwide Weekly.
“This honour jogs my memory that the work we do via music, tradition, and neighborhood has actual influence far past the stage. It’s a real honour to be acknowledged, particularly alongside somebody as impactful as Jason Henzell.”
Caron Chung, Govt Director of the AFJ in an announcement mentioned, “We’re thrilled to honour Jason Henzell and Joe Bogdanovich, two people whose work has reworked lives and strengthened communities throughout Jamaica. Their imaginative and prescient and unwavering dedication to uplifting others align completely with AFJ’s objective of making lasting, constructive change on the island we love.”
The award caps a whirlwind season for Bogdanovich, whose firm, Downsound Leisure, produces Reggae Sumfest. Insiders say the 2025 version of the long-lasting pageant was one of the profitable ever, with upgraded sound, visuals, and a lineup that blended legends with new wave stars.
“Sumfest 2025 was a fruits of imaginative and prescient, ardour, and a relentless crew effort that pushed the boundaries of what a Jamaican music pageant might be,” Bogdanovich mentioned. “We listened to the followers and made it our mission to lift the bar—from each digicam angle to each beat that dropped.”
When requested to replicate on his largest accomplishment over the previous three years, Bogdanovich pointed to the worldwide evolution of Sumfest whereas preserving its Jamaican core.
“We’ve expanded our attain, uplifted extra native expertise, and used the platform to assist youth, tradition, and tourism in highly effective methods,” he shared.
Past the pageant, Bogdanovich can be nurturing the subsequent era. His son, Joey Bogdanovich, has not too long ago been taking a extra lively function within the music and occasions house.
“Seeing my son Joey step into the rhythm of the business is likely one of the most rewarding elements of this journey,” mentioned the proud father. “It’s not nearly succession, it’s about mentorship, values, and exposing him to the guts and soul of what we do. He’s studying that this enterprise is about greater than music; it’s about individuals, tradition, and objective.”
As he prepares to just accept the AFJ honor in October, Bogdanovich stays dedicated to the mission he’s cultivated over time: pushing Jamaican music and tradition to higher heights.
“What we created was not only a pageant—it was a celebration of Jamaican excellence,” he mentioned. “And a reminder that the world continues to be watching and vibing with us.”
