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The second to last of nine brothers and sisters, Max Alfred “Maxi” Elliot had first learnt to sing in church in South London, encouraged by his mother who was a Pentecostal missionary. He’d honed his craft listening to Jamaican greats such as Dennis Brown, John Holt, Ken Boothe and Gregory Isaacs, as well as singers like Marvin Gaye, Al Green, The Beatles, Phil Collins and Frank Sinatra. As a teenager, he’d lifted speaker boxes for the Jah Shaka and Negus Negast sound systems. He was also a founder member of Saxon International, and played a key role in it becoming London’s No. 1 sound-system. Saxon was home to MCs like Smiley Culture, Peter King, Tippa Irie and Philip Levi. It was with Saxon that Maxi began performing at neighbourhood youth clubs and house parties, and first won an appreciative female audience. Maxi was therefore no overnight sensation, but had graduated through the ranks, and against considerable odds. After joining the Twelve Tribes Of Israel and embracing Rastafari, he was given the name Maxi Priest.

 

Maxi Priest is looking forward to a busy 2014 summer with the release of his new studio album Easy To Love on VP Records, which will be available June 17th. With over 15 millions albums sold worldwide, a No. 1 U.S. Billboard hit and a Grammy nomination, the most successful solo act in British reggae history will bring his special brand of reggae, lover’s rock and pop to tug on the ladies’ heartstrings at the festival. Maxi will perform from his catalog of irresistible hits such as Wild World, Some Guys Have All The Luck, Close To You and Housecall as well as songs from his upcoming album including the title track Easy To Love!


mawgak

President & CEO of KDW Concepts.net and Montrealdancehall.com.