They say stars aren’t made, they’re born. Twenty-two years ago, in the Stepney district of St. Ann, Jamaica- about one kilometer from the birth place of reggae legend Bob Marley - Romain Virgo was born. At age 9 he participated in a church concert and discovered his talent for singing. Virgo pursued singing in many events, becoming a gold-medal winner in cultural competitions and eventually he led his school’s choir to a second place finish in 2006, at the nationally televised high school choir competition, “All Together Sing”. In 2007 at the tender age of 17, Virgo became the youngest winner of Digicel Rising Stars,Jamaica’s popular talent search competition. Another historic achievement followed this win, when Romaine was granted an endorsement deal from Pepsi Cola Jamaica.
In early 2009 Virgo began to work on his debut album, Romain Virgo; and quickly released his self-penned debut hit single, Can’t Sleep. He describes his singing style as “old school” and his writing influences as being the realities in many inner city communities. Can’t Sleep became a hit as did Love Doctor and Wanna Go Home - the singles that followed. Virgo signed to VP Records in 2010, releasing his debut album, Romain Virgo. Charting history once more, Virgo became the first Reggae artist to perform at the Academy of Country Music Awards with the Gatlin Brothers - singing their hit, California, for which Virgo had previously done a reggae adaptation on the VP released album, Reggae’s Gone Country.
Following the May 8, 2012 release of Virgo’s latest album with VP Records, The System, accolades have been pouring in. The System has remained on top of the Billboard Reggae Album Chart where it debuted at number six. Critics are raving about Romain’s second album with Billboard describing Romain as “a leading light among a new generation of roots reggae stars” [who has chosen] “…empowering messages over misogynistic and violent lyrics.”
