Barrington Levy makes international night line-up

One of the most respected artistes in Jamaica's musical history, Barrington Levy, has been confirmed for Reggae Sumfest 2013 slated for Thursday, July 21 to Saturday, July 27 at Catherine Hall, Montego Bay.

Levy, the acclaimed 'Canary' of dancehall music, has not put on a full performance in Jamaica for some time. He is regarded as one of the great hitmakers in the annals of reggae. Levy will perform at the event dubbed 'The Greatest Reggae Show On Earth' on Friday, July 26, International Night 1.

"I am looking forward to this performance in Jamaica, my four-piece band and I are gonna come and rock the house for International Night," said Levy.

His career began in the early 70's at only 15 years old, recording hits like Collie Weed, Shine Eye Gal, and Skylarking.

These songs blossomed from fruitful partnerships Levy formed at Kingston's Channel One studio with producers Henry 'Junjo' Lawes and Hyman 'Jah Life' Wright, and the Roots Radics Band.

Levy's hit run continued throughout the next two decades with a flurry of chart-riding songs, including Murderer, Prison Oval Rock, 21 Girl Salute and the Herbman Anthem, not to mention Under Mi Sensi recorded in 2000.

"Barrington Levy is a special artiste and it's been several years since he has performed on Sumfest and a little while since he did a full performance in Jamaica. It is a privilege and an honour to be presenting him on the festival this year. We are looking forward to an amazing performance filled with some of Levy's greatest hits and some new music as well," said Johnny Gourzong, executive director of Summerfest Productions, organiser of Sumfest.

In the past year, Levy has performed to packed venues in Japan, Trinidad, Columbia, Jerusalem, St Lucia and North America where he is currently on tour until the end of June.

"I'm very excited to take Jamaica down memory lane with the popular hits and some new songs and maybe even some collaborations. So my fans must come out, bring them queen and leave them machine, dress and come clean," Levy encouraged.

He returns to the stage with a vengeance and a catalogue like none other, after more than three decades in the industry and more than 26 albums, Levy remains relevant and is still a hit with many audiences, both locally and overseas. He boasts a slew of legendary collaborations including Living Dangerously with Bounty Killer, Times Hard with Jadakiss, Gangsters, featuring Vybez Kartel and Khago, Broadway, featuring Shaggy and most recently The Way She Love Me, featuring Mr Vegas.

line-up

Reggae Sumfest celebrates 21 years with the return of Levy, along with several outstanding acts.

Flo Rida, international hip hop star, also joins the line-up for Friday, July 26.

Friday's line-up is rounded out with Jamaica's reggae legend Beres Hammond and melody maker Tarrus Riley. Young reggae artistes Nature, Iba Mahr, Droop Lion and British singer Kiarah Dubwah are set to perform.

International Night 2, Saturday, July 27, unleashes the highly anticipated international sensation Miguel, who will share the stage with Damian 'Jr Gong' Marley and the Ghetto Youths Int'l Crew, Romain Virgo, Chronixx, No-Maddz, Chalice and the young girl trio from New York, the Love Jones Girlz.

Since the birth of the Festival 21 years ago, the event has experienced steady growth, seeing more patrons each year turning out for the experience. Catherine Hall, Montego Bay comes alive on Sunday, July 21 with the beach party and continues on Thursday, July 25 with Dancehall Night before International Nights 1 and 2 take over on July 26 and 27.

The event has received great support from sponsors Digicel, the Jamaica Tourist Board, Iberostar Hotels & Resorts, Secrets Resorts, Red Stripe, Pepsi, Courts, Grand Palladium, Half Moon, Holiday Inn, The Gleaner Company Ltd. and Round Hill Hotel.