Hello
My name is Birgitta Fontel, but in Jamaica, I'm known as Gigi. I've been immersed in the creative field my entire life, starting as a graffiti artist and evolving into a Masters degree in Industrial Designer, and Creative direction. Currently, my passion lies in Creative Directing, Event Management, Content creation, encompassing video, photography, and animation. I love visualizing and capturing moments through both video and photo. Creativity is at the core of who I am, and I am fortunate to be working with my passion!
My Story
I'm a Danish girl who has been living in Jamaica for the past four years. Why Jamaica? My mother raised me on reggae music, and as a teenager, I began promoting reggae music and organizing reggae festivals and events across Scandinavia (Denmark, Norway, and Sweden) for over a decade before making the move.
In 2019, I founded my company, Made in 876, to design and produce merchandise for reggae festivals in Europe. The name reflects Jamaica’s country code "876", and emphasizes that the products are made in Jamaica. The goal was to create merchandise options, locally produced, as a way for reggae festivals worldwide that financially support Jamaica, rather than outsourcing to other countries. However, when the pandemic hit, the demand for merchandise dropped, and I had to get creative.
I started my social media account @streetsofjamaica to showcase the beauty of Jamaica and share its vibrant culture with the world.
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Back in the days when Instagram was primarily a photo-sharing app, I made it a point to post a photo and a story each day. My consistency paid off, and my following steadily grew. My account really started to take off when video content became popular. Now, I have over 450k followers across various platforms.
My growing online presence led to opportunities to create content for artists, hotels, restaurants, and brands. Over the years, I've honed my social media skills, learning to read algorithms, identify trends, and understand what works on different apps. It all made me realize that photo and film is a passion for me and now most of my work is in that creative field either hands on, directing or managing.
My aim is to work on larger project in entertainment and use my skill set for larger event management and production.
My Background in Entertainment
With a decade of hands-on experience in the entertainment industry, I bring a unique blend of creative direction, event production, and social media expertise to the table. My journey began at the age of 18 when I organized my first Hiphop festival in Denmark, a project I managed entirely on my own. Since then, I've grown into a seasoned professional, working on major events across Europe, including the renowned Öland Roots festival, where I contributed to its success for ten years.
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My passion for creating unforgettable experiences is matched by my academic background. I hold a master's degree in product design, with a specialization in human behavior, first aid design, and stress-responsive environments. This knowledge informs my approach to event management, allowing me to design and execute events that are not only engaging but also mindful of the participants' needs and behaviors.
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Whether I'm booking top-tier artists, managing social media campaigns, or overseeing backstage operations, I bring a strategic, people-centered approach to every project. My work with high-profile events is a testament to my ability to deliver results in dynamic and high-pressure environments.
Timeline of Experience
2005-2007
Nordic Hiphop Festival, Denmark
2010-2020
Öland Roots, Sweden
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Coordinated logistics, stage management, and overall production of the festival.
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2014-2020: Creative Director & Social Media Manager
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Led creative direction, managed artist bookings, and developed social media strategies to enhance the festival's reach and engagement.
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2017-2018:
Heat Dancehall Club, Oslo, Norway
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Established and managed a weekly dancehall club, curating music, handling promotions, and creating a vibrant community space.
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2023/2024
Jamaica
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2023 Junior Reid One Blood Family Fest, Jamaica, Photo and Video Coverage pre event and event. Live Posting and After video production. Media production.
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2023/2024"I Love Soca" Events, Yardmass Carnival, Jamaica, Photo and Video Coverage.
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2023/2024 Lost in Time Festival, Jamaica Photo and Video Coverage.
Öland Roots: A Decade of Impact
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My journey with Öland Roots, Sweden's oldest reggae festival, was not just about creating a memorable event but also about pushing boundaries and making a statement through music and culture. Over the course of ten years, I played a crucial role in shaping the festival's identity and its commitment to social and political causes.
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Key Contributions:
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2010-2013: Production Manager
During my initial years, I focused on the logistical backbone of the festival. From stage management to coordinating with artists and vendors, I ensured that every aspect of the event ran smoothly. My role required a deep understanding of event operations, as well as the ability to troubleshoot and adapt to the dynamic festival environment. -
2014-2020: Creative Director & Social Media Manager
Transitioning into a more strategic role, I took on the creative direction and social media management of the festival. This included curating lineups that not only entertained but also reflected the festival’s ethos of inclusivity and social justice. My work involved engaging with the festival's audience on a deeper level, using social media to build a community around our shared values.​
A Politically Charged Festival: The All-Female Lineup
One of the most defining moments of my time with Öland Roots was in 2019 when we made a bold political statement by featuring an all-female lineup. This decision was not just about showcasing talent but was also a deliberate act of challenging the gender norms prevalent in the music industry. We wanted to create a space where female artists could shine on their own terms, free from the overshadowing presence of their male counterparts.
The response was overwhelming, both in terms of attendance and the conversations it sparked. The festival became a platform for discussing gender equality in the reggae music scene, and I was proud to be part of an initiative that empowered women reggae artists and inspired other festivals to consider similar approaches.
My work with Öland Roots was about more than just organizing a festival—it was about making a difference, using music as a tool for social change, and creating a community that stood for something greater than just entertainment. This experience continues to influence my approach to event management and my commitment to using my skills for causes I believe in.
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Photography, Videography, Animation.
Music video Production, Creative directing, Animation.
Content Creation and Social Media Management.