Basseterre, St. Kitts (March 30, 2009) Top entertainer and dancehall music rising star Mavado will be among the premier acts at the 13th Annual St. Kitts Music Festival, which will take place on the island from June 25-27, 2009.
Born David Brooks in a micro-community within Kingston, Jamaica and inspired to sing in church by his grandmother, the artist known as Mavado is recognized for his emotional appeal as well as the dichotomies in his world.
His debut single, Real McKoy made him an overnight success and established the blueprint for future recordings as a combination of his sweetly melodic voice and gangsta rap image. Wah Dem a Do, his second hit single, brought Mavados music to an overseas audience and earned him the #27 spot on Billboards Hot R&B/Hip Hop chart.
Mavados first full-length album, Gangster for Life: the Symphony of David Brooks, has remained in the Top 25 Billboard Reggae charts since its July 2007 debut. That same year, Mavado served as guest artist on singles from Wyclef Jean, Lil Kim, Foxy Brown and 50 Cents G-Unit while additionally collaborating with Jay-Z on a verse from his hit, On the Rock. In 2008, Mavados Real McKoy was selected as the theme song for the Grand Theft Auto IV trailer and used in-game.
Also in 2008, he took home a prestigious MOBO (Music of Black Origin) award for Best New Reggae artist and was named Best Reggae Artist by Rolling Stone magazine in their April Best of Rock issue. His sophomore album, Mr. Brooks A Better Tomorrow was just released in 2009.
Despite his rough image, Mavado shows himself to be as generous as he is talented with significant donations to an organization that helps battered women as well as to his recently launched charity Connect Jamaica, which has already donated computers to underprivileged schools across the island nation.
It is an honor to participate in this years St. Kitts Music Festival, said Mavado. St. Kitts has such a strong connection with reggae and dancehall music. Im excited to feed of the crowds energy and good vibes and to follow the footsteps of some of the great legends that have performed there.
It will be our pleasure to welcome Mavado to St. Kitts as part of the St. Kitts Music Festival, said Senator Ricky Skerritt, Minister responsible for Tourism, Sports & Culture. His edgy dancehall tunes will be a complement to the variety of musical styles showcased at this years event, which is sure to be a uniquely memorable experience with world class performances in a family friendly, block party type of atmosphere.
Regina Belle has also been confirmed as part of the line-up for the three day event. Additional performing artists will be announced at a press event held in New York Citys Rockefeller Center on March 31, 2009. Now in its 13th consecutive year, the festival attracts both locals and visitors alike. It features various musical styles on the popular market, including R&B, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Reggae, Soca, Calypso, Gospel and Contemporary music. Past artists have included such prominent acts as John Legend, Michael Bolton, Mario, Wyclef Jean, Ne-Yo, Air Supply, Dionne Warwick, Kenny Rogers, Boyz II Men, Brian McKnight, Ashanti, Shaggy, Eve, Bobby Caldwell, DMX, Hugh Masekala, Xtatik, the Temptations, Chaka Khan, Maxi Priest, Ronald Boo Hinkson and Busta Rhymes.
Music lovers from the US and Canada who are looking for a great vacation can get to St. Kitts via non-stop service on American Airlines from New York (JFK) or Miami, on Delta Air Lines from Atlanta, and on US Airways from Charlotte as well as via connecting service through San Juan on American Eagle or via flights on regional carrier Liat from Antigua.
