PORT ROYAL, Jamaica – Once again as the CVM TV Port Royal Music Festival- the premier music festival of Kingston- sets sail for yet another year of unforgettable performances, the organizers uphold their promise of providing quality music when reggae superstar Maxi Priest was added to the already talented line up. Maxi Priest who is the greatest selling living reggae artist in the world is always in very high demand and anticipated by his many fans. Christopher Blythe, Executive Director of Paradise Communications, organizers of the event, believes that Maxi Priest is a living musical legend.
“Maxi Priest is a reggae music icon. He helped to transform reggae music into an international phenomenon just like his predecessors Bob Marley and Jacob Miller. It is not often that Maxi performs in Jamaica and we are very happy that he will take the stage at this year’s event,” Blythe said.
Maxi Priest, who has recorded many great songs never fails to satisfy his audience. Neville Blythe, Chairman of Paradise Communications commented that, “Maxi Priest has amassed a timeless reggae music portfolio during his career and shows no sign of slowing down.”
The singer, who is dubbed the’ King of lovers rock’ by his many adoring fans, was born Max Elliot on June 10, 1960 in Lewisham, London. Priest grew up listening to reggae, gospel, pop and Rhythm and Blues (R&B) music. As a young adult Maxi converted to Rastafarianism, upon which point he decided to change his name to Maxi Priest.
Priest signed a recording deal with Virgin Records and released his debut album titled, ‘You’re Safe,’ in 1985, which included the widely acclaimed hit ‘In the Springtime.’ Priest’s follow up album, ‘Intentions’ also made great success as it reached #96 on the UK album charts.
Maxi Priest received his greatest success with his third album, which is the self-titled ‘Maxi Priest’ released in 1988 which includes the chart topping singles : ‘Some guys have all the luck’, ‘Wild World’ and ‘Goodbye to love again.’ Maxi went on to achieve greater success when he became the only UK reggae act to score an American Billboard number one song, which he received with his hit single, ‘Close to you,’ which was released in 1991. Maxi also reached the U.S top ten charts in 1991 with his duet with Roberta Flack titled ‘Set the night to music.’
Throughout his lengthy career Maxi Priest has worked with an array of artists including Shaggy, Beres Hammond, Sly & Robbie, Roberta Flack and Shabba Ranks.
