Performers > Maxi Priest

International reggae star Maxi Priest headlines the Saturday evening of the festival.



The experience of growing up in London, having a mixed-Jamaican-European parentage, building a musical career in the U.S., and touring the world could easily stand to explain Maxi Priest's international thinking when it comes to music. Seen Primarily as a reggae artist, Priest has often been heard explaining and even asked to validate his regular use of diverse genres of music on his albums.

"I have one set way of creating anything or of thinking," explains Maxi. "I love all kinds of music and it would be hard for me to just pick one style and stick to it."

Some of these influences include jazz, r&b, soul, folk and pop. Hearing what he has to say about his love for music which is rooted in his two greatest influences (Bob Marley and Dennis Brown) you get the sense that he would be challenging musical borders regardless of his worldly exposure.

Describing Bob Marley as also being an international artist, Maxi is proud of the meaning that he finds behind the label that he so often finds slapped on his back. Where cliches that say 'music is a universal language' and 'we are all humankind' are, all too often, brushed off, Maxi Priest has internalized such beliefs and defends them with passion. "I am an international artiste. I create music for the world."

Even though Maxi has made great efforts to use elements of all forms of music, he sees his place in reggae music clearly and remains firmly rooted in it's rich tradition. Being among the highest selling reggae artists in history, Maxi hopes that his contribution to the continued spread of the rocksteady gospel around the world helps keep international audiences open for reggae artists.

Having ten albums to his name, a hand full of Billboard topping hits, and a mixture of heart-felt original and cover songs in his repertoire, Priest has what it takes to be a performer among performers. With an upcoming free concert at Nathan Philips Square on Saturday, August 3rd as part of the three day Irie Music Festival, Toronto will get the first chance in two years to witness this seasoned performer bring his love for foundation reggae to new international heights.
By Chris Penrose

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